Body Image and Glass Ceilings – no ifs, ands, or butts

REFLECTIONS ON BODY IMAGE
Jean Stimmell©2018

Recent research[i] confirms the extent of weight bias against women, reinforcing the glass ceiling that thwarts the advancement of women.

 The most shocking finding was that “between 45 percent and 61 percent of top male CEOs are overweight (BMI between 25 and 29)” but “only 5 percent – 22 percent of top female CEOs were overweight.”

The researchers conclude: “This reflects a greater tolerance and possibly even a preference for a larger size among men but a smaller size among women.”[ii]

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[i] Co-authored by Mark Roehling, Michigan State University professor, and Patricia Roehling, professor of psychology at Hope College

[ii] https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2012/08/06/thin-is-in-for-executive-women-as-weight-discrimination-contributes-to-glass-ceiling/