The Hypersexualization of Young Girls and the Infantilization of Adult Women

ABSTRACT: It is commonly known that women deal with societal pressures at all ages. When they are young, little girls, they are hypersexualized. When they are grown, adult women, they are infantilized. Just like any other societal pressure, these notions lead females to develop and carry various physical and psychological problems throughout their lives, ranging from eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm, to suicidal thoughts and more. There are multiple factors that appear to be reinforcing these phenomena such as schools, families, media, influencers, and much more. These issues can be dealt with and addressed in several ways, some of which could be setting firm regulations and laws on the media and what they’re permitted to put out, monitoring companies and their advertisements to ensure they are not promoting either, and raising awareness on these topics in schools, universities, and with parents, through awareness sessions, campaigns, and workshops that could be mandatory. In this way, the general public will become aware of these stigmas that they might be partaking in or encouraging unconsciously, thus making the world a safer place for females of all ages and would promote gender equality.