objectification
ub-jek-ti-fi-KAY-shun
/əbˌdʒek.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
The action of treating a person as a commodity or an object without regard to their dignity, personality, or agency.
Focuses on stripping a human subject of their mental capacity, feelings, and agency to view them merely as an instrument or visual target.
The story behind the word. Built from 'object' (from Latin 'obiectus', something thrown before the mind) and suffix '-fication' (making into). Philosophy adapted the term to describe reducing a conscious subject to a mere physical object.
Word relationships
- dehumanization: Dehumanization strips away all human attributes, whereas objectification specifically treats a person as a physical tool or commodity.
- humanization: Humanization acknowledges and honors full human complexity and personhood.
Commonly confused with
- objectivity: Objectivity is neutral judgment based on facts; objectification is treating a human as a mindless object.
Word family
- objectify (verb): To treat a person as an object or commodity.
- objectified (adjective): Treated as an object rather than a human subject.
Collocations
- sexual objectification
- media objectification
- resist objectification
Example sentences
- "Sexual objectification occurs when a person's body or body parts are singled out and separated from their personhood." Ethics (Martha Nussbaum, Sex and Social Justice)
- "Critics argue that aggressive commercial advertising contributes to the widespread objectification of women." Media Studies
Memory hook
Turning a subject (living person) into an object (thing). Treating a person like a thing.
When not to use
Do not confuse with objectivity (impartiality or fairness); objectification is a harmful reduction of personhood.
Fun facts
- Philosopher Martha Nussbaum identified seven key features of objectification, including instrumentality, denial of autonomy, and ownership.
Related words
Explore more words
commodify, commodification, misogyny, reify, subjugation, objectivity
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