U of Arizona Researchers Discuss Objectification of Women by Media

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l-r: Jennifer Stevens Aubrey and Hilary Gamble

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Two researchers from the University of Arizona will visit the University of Arkansas to discuss their findings on the relationship between the way the media portrays women and the way younger women see themselves as well as the way men behave toward women.

Jennifer Stevens Aubrey is associate professor of communication at Arizona; Hilary Gamble, a University of Arkansas graduate, is currently a doctoral student and teaching assistant in the communication department at the University of Arizona.

They will speak from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Willard Walker Hall Auditorium, room 218.

Aubrey will discuss “Self-objectification and its Consequences: A Review of the Effects of Mediated Sexual Objectification on Adolescents and Young Adults.” Her research explores the role of the media in causing women to treat themselves as “objects” and the effects on their health as well as their gender- and sexuality-related beliefs. 

Gamble’s talk, “Beyond the Birds and the Bees: What Sexy Media is Teaching Emerging Adults about Sex” looks at the ways television, film, music videos, magazines, and social media may be teaching young adults negative attitudes and beliefs about women and sexuality, and may contribute to campus cultures that support casual sex and sexual assault. 

The event is sponsored by the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School and International Education, the Department of Communication and the Center for Communication and Media Research.

 Aubrey and Gamble will also hold a workshop for graduate students who are considering the communications doctoral program at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in Kimpel Hall room 405.