It is economically rational for women to be thin. What is going wrong?

The Economist article titled “The Economics of Thinness”, discusses the story of Mireille Guiliano, a successful (and thin) woman. Born in France, Guiliano worked as an interpreter for the United Nations before joining the champagne business. In 1984, she joined Veuve Clicquot, reviving its American subsidiary and later becoming its chief executive. Her journey, though unique, unveils the pervasive societal pressure on women, not just in their professional endeavours but in their appearance.

An Ever-Changing, Unreachable Ideal

The societal pressure on women to conform to an ever-changing ideal is universal, transcending personal and professional spheres. In her bestselling book, "French Women Don’t Get Fat," Guiliano reflects on her teenage struggle with weight gain during a summer in America. This discomfort echoes the broader experience of women globally who face societal expectations and judgments regarding their bodies. In a relentless pursuit of physical perfection, the 2010s heralded an era where thinness became the emblem of physical perfection, etching its presence within our Gen Z psyche. Even today, although maybe not to the same extent, the ideal female body is still defined by thinness. If the unattainable standard for women is no longer a slim physique, it has now shifted to the relatively newer pursuit of an hourglass shape. With social media and photo editing being the new norm, a completely dystopian image of women’s bodies has surfaced. One where a surreal fusion between reality and unreachable fantasy co-exist hand in hand. While societal ideals have shifted over time, the pressure on women to meet these standards has remained constant.

Wealth Disparity and Body Image

A perplexing aspect of this societal pressure is its correlation with wealth. In developed countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and South Korea, a correlation exists between income and weight for women; wealthy women tend to be thinner than their less affluent counterparts, while this correlation is less evident among men. This economic paradox raises questions about the relationship between a woman’s weight and her earning potential. While poverty is often cited as a factor contributing to obesity, the data indicates that this correlation is primarily driven by women. The intersection of wealth, weight, and gender creates a complex web that demands exploration.

Economic Impact: Wage Gap and Discrimination

Extensive studies highlight a wage disparity linked to weight, particularly affecting women. Overweight or obese women tend to earn less than their thinner counterparts, with some studies indicating a significant wage penalty. In a society that values thinness as attractiveness, women find themselves navigating a landscape where their weight can impact not only their self-esteem but also their economic well-being. While there are exceptions and variations across demographic groups, the overall trend suggests that the economic implications of 

weight disproportionately affect women. The prevailing biases contribute to a wage premium for being thin, emphasising the economic rationality for women to invest time and resources in maintaining a certain body size.

The Corporate Glass Ceiling: Appearance Matters

Beyond wage differentials, weight discrimination also permeates professional opportunities. Studies indicate that male CEOs are more likely to be overweight, while female CEOs face pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. This adds an additional layer to the corporate glass ceiling for women, where appearance becomes a factor influencing hiring decisions and career progression. The intersectionality of gender and weight discrimination prompts us to reconsider societal expectations and their impact on professional success. As women continue to break barriers in various fields, the discriminatory hurdles they face based on appearance underscore the need for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Legal Implications: The Road Ahead

The legal landscape surrounding weight discrimination is evolving. Some progressive jurisdictions have enacted laws prohibiting discrimination based on appearance. However, the broader legal implications, especially regarding "sex plus" claims, open up avenues for challenging unequal treatment based on gender and appearance. The insights from legal perspectives indicate a growing awareness of the need to address weight discrimination systematically. As conversations around diversity and inclusion gain momentum, the intersection of gender, weight, and economic outcomes demands attention at both societal and legislative levels.

The Media's Role: Shaping Perceptions

Media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal perceptions of beauty. The portrayal of predominantly thin women in media, fashion, and advertising contributes to the perpetuation of unrealistic standards. For years, we saw women scrutinised in the media and side characters in TV shows made fun of if they weren’t a size extra small. The impact of these portrayals is profound, influencing the way women perceive themselves and how they believe they should look to achieve success. The media's role in reinforcing these beauty standards is evident in the continuous glorification of certain body types while marginalising others. This creates a toxic environment where women feel compelled to conform to these ideals, often at the expense of their mental and physical well-being.

The Psychological Toll: Beyond Economics

Beyond the economic implications, the psychological toll of societal pressure on women to be thin is profound. The constant scrutiny and judgment based on appearance contribute to issues like low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders. The impact is far-reaching, affecting women across ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Addressing the economic rationality for women to be thin requires acknowledging and challenging these deeply ingrained societal norms. The shift towards body positivity, inclusivity, and diverse representations in media and advertising is a crucial step in dismantling harmful beauty standards.

The Path Forward: A Holistic View

Addressing the economic rationality for women to be thin requires a holistic approach. It involves challenging societal norms, advocating for equitable workplace practices, and fostering an environment where individuals are valued for their skills and contributions rather than appearance. While Guiliano's journey sheds light on personal resilience, the broader discourse must extend beyond individual narratives. The economic implications of weight discrimination underscore the need for systemic change, where societal expectations align with principles of equality and inclusivity.

The economic paradox of women's weight and societal expectations demands nuanced discussions and concrete actions. As we navigate the interplay of gender, wealth, and body image, creating a future where women are valued for their capabilities rather than conforming to unrealistic standards becomes paramount. The dialogue surrounding this issue is not just about women's bodies; it's about dismantling systemic biases that perpetuate economic inequality.