lookism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In most jurisdictions, lookism itself is not a specific protected category under anti-discrimination law (unlike race, sex, disability). However, aspects of it can intersect with illegal discrimination (e.g., weight discrimination linked to disability, or racialized beauty standards linked to race discrimination). Some local laws, like in Michigan, USA, include 'height and weight' as protected traits.

Lookism is the broader social system or practice of discrimination based on appearance. The 'halo effect' is a specific cognitive bias where one's overall impression of a person (e.g., their attractiveness) influences perceptions of their other traits (e.g., intelligence, kindness). Lookism is the societal manifestation; the halo effect is a psychological mechanism that fuels it.

Typically, lookism refers to systemic bias that favours those deemed conventionally attractive. While negative stereotypes can sometimes work against attractive people (e.g., being perceived as vain or less competent), the primary academic and social use of the term focuses on the pervasive advantage given to attractiveness and the penalty for its absence.

Strategies include: implementing structured, blind recruitment processes (removing photos from CVs); using diverse hiring panels; providing unconscious bias training that specifically addresses appearance-based assumptions; and establishing clear, competency-based evaluation criteria for promotions and assignments.

Discrimination or prejudice based on a person's physical appearance, especially attractiveness.

Lookism is usually formal, academic, sociopolitical in register.

Lookism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlʊk.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlʊk.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.