The Facets of Women Commodification: Violence in the University Context in Administration

Abstract

Context: violence against women is present in the most diverse social groups, especially in Latin America, as it is one of the most violent regions against women, with high numbers of rapes, harassments, and murders because of gender. Objective: the objective of this study is to deepen the understanding of the way in which violent situations against women occurs in the Brazilian university context and its different facets of objectification and commodification. Methods: we undertook in-depth interviews with 15 female and 5 male university students from business courses. Results: our findings suggest the female ample objectification and commodification in the university context and their negative consequences, such as self-objectification in its personal and professional aspects demonstrated by reports of uncertainty regarding their bodies, in exercising the activities of leadership, and their choice of profession. There happens to be commodification of: (a) the women’s body; (b) their sexuality; (c) their morality; and finally (d) their feelings. Conclusion: we contribute theoretically to expand the knowledge about the relation between objectification and commodification. In empirical and managerial terms, we present insights for educational institutions to combat discrimination against women.

Catalysts of violence against women students: the role of the university, aggressors, and victims

“…Young women who are university students are subjected to various types of violence ( Barbosa et al, 2020 ). The first type is physical violence arising from the hazing of first-year students when they enter college.…”

Os Custos do Assédio Moral e Sexual para as Carreiras Corporativas de Mulheres

“…Em nosso estudo, encontramos evidências deste cenário, quando o assediador exclui uma mulher de reuniões das quais deveriam participar por seus cargos e funções, diminuindo o valor de suas entregas. Os relatos mostram as dificuldades e receios que estas mulheres encontram no desenvolvimento profissional e na sua ascensão no meio corporativo devido às violências sofridas por seus agressores (Reis, 2014;Barbosa, Romani-Dias, & Veludo-de-Oliveira, 2020).…”