Appearance discrimination, "Lookism" and "Lookphobia" in the workplace

Abstract

This article focuses on appearance and attractiveness discrimination in the American workplace. As such, this article discusses issues related to "lookism" and "lookphobia" as a real challenge for managers who are recruiting, attracting, interviewing, hiring, appraising, and promoting employees. The article provides a discussion of societal norms concerning "attractiveness," the existence of appearance discrimination in employment, the presence of "preferring the pretty", and then the authors examine important civil rights laws that relate to such forms of discrimination. Finally, recommendations for employers and managers are provided for fair and non-discriminatory hiring and promotional practices. © 2012 The Clute Institute.