Treating a human being as an end: Causes and consequences of objectification

Abstract

When people are objectified, they are denied of personhood and are treated merely as things or tools that can aid others’ goal achievement. A large body of research has examined the precedents, processes, and consequences of sexual objectification. The literature, however, lacks causal evidence on the precedents and consequences of non-sexual forms of objectification. Given that objectification is commonly experienced, a better understanding of objectification is of great importance in guiding the development of intervention programs aiming to forge social bonds and to reduce the negative influence of objectification on individuals’ well-being. We have tested how contextual factors and social interactions contribute to objectification. Further, in face of objectification, people show a greater tendency for hostility and aggression.