Gender conformity, self-objectification, and body image for sorority and nonsorority women: A closer look

Sororities have been identified as placing young women at risk for body image concerns due to a focus on traditional gender role norms and objectification of women.

This study assessed the relationship between conformity to feminine gender role norms, self-objectification, and body image surveillance among undergraduate women.

In a random sample of undergraduates, the authors examined data from sorority and nonsorority women.

In a random sample of undergraduate women, the authors assessed the impact of traditional feminine gender role norms on self-objectification, body image, and feedback regarding physical appearance for sorority and nonsorority undergraduate women.

Three linear regressions were conducted, and only conformity to feminine gender role norms contributed significantly in each regression model.

Regardless of sorority membership, conformity to feminine gender role norms was found to significantly contribute to increased body consciousness, negative body image, and feedback on physical appearance.