Power Dressing
Power Dressing
Kevin Hysi
A00359065
Social Power Relations
Abstract
Clothing has the ability to convey social signals and perceptions to society. This paper explores the relationship between clothing and power, otherwise known as “Power Dressing”. This is a problem because it can enable power differences to occur and it uses past research to support and validate this issue. Overall findings suggest that individuals wearing professional attire in different social situations were perceived to be more competent, attractive, and can achieve greater business performance in comparison to individuals wearing casual attire.
Keywords Social Perception, Power, Clothing, Fashion, Inequality
Introduction
Depending on the social status and mobility of an individual, clothing is relatively expensive. This is problematic because it may enable others to evaluate an individual based on their attire. An individual with low social mobility may not have enough funds to invest into the latest fashion trend in contrast to one with higher mobility. Consequently, power differences and inequality has greater potential to rise. Taking a deeper look into this problem, how individuals decide to dress has an immense impact on how they are perceived by others in society. Paying close attention to clothing details and having a strong fashion sense can effectively shape others perception on how much power they may possess. This is often referred to as “Power Dressing” by top designers in the fashion industry. In specific it is a style of dressing in tailored suits intended to influence and convey authority.
As mentioned this paper explores the relationship between clothing and power. It first explains the problems associated with clothing and power. Then, it covers a study conducted by West Virginia University researchers who discovered that students perceived their instructors competence the highest when they were in formal professional attire rather than casual attire.
Kevin Hysi
A00359065
Social Power Relations
Abstract
Clothing has the ability to convey social signals and perceptions to society. This paper explores the relationship between clothing and power, otherwise known as “Power Dressing”. This is a problem because it can enable power differences to occur and it uses past research to support and validate this issue. Overall findings suggest that individuals wearing professional attire in different social situations were perceived to be more competent, attractive, and can achieve greater business performance in comparison to individuals wearing casual attire.
Keywords Social Perception, Power, Clothing, Fashion, Inequality
Introduction
Depending on the social status and mobility of an individual, clothing is relatively expensive. This is problematic because it may enable others to evaluate an individual based on their attire. An individual with low social mobility may not have enough funds to invest into the latest fashion trend in contrast to one with higher mobility. Consequently, power differences and inequality has greater potential to rise. Taking a deeper look into this problem, how individuals decide to dress has an immense impact on how they are perceived by others in society. Paying close attention to clothing details and having a strong fashion sense can effectively shape others perception on how much power they may possess. This is often referred to as “Power Dressing” by top designers in the fashion industry. In specific it is a style of dressing in tailored suits intended to influence and convey authority.
As mentioned this paper explores the relationship between clothing and power. It first explains the problems associated with clothing and power. Then, it covers a study conducted by West Virginia University researchers who discovered that students perceived their instructors competence the highest when they were in formal professional attire rather than casual attire.
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