Redmond Barry Building

Publication HistoryPublished online: April 10, 2018Accepted: April 7, 2018; Received in revised form: March 20, 2018; Received: August 11, 2017;

In two studies, we examined the impact of sexualization of prepubescent girls on college students’ perceptions of girls’ mental capacity and moral standing. Previous research has shown that women depicted in sexualized and other body-focused ways are perceived as lacking mental capacities and moral standing; these perceptions reduce concern about them when they are victimized. However, no other research to date has examined whether the same effects hold for young girls.