Overlooked "isms": Height, Attractiveness, Size, and Language

Conversations about social inequity and diversity, especially in academic and healthcare settings, tend to center on racism, sexism, classism, and ableism. These are rightly recognized as key to human diversity and discussions on social injustice. However, four other key factors can easily become forms of discrimination and inequity. They are rarely discussed but still profoundly impact all our lives:

• Heightism, or height bias: Tall people generally are advantaged and viewed more favorably than those of shorter stature.
• Lookism, or attractiveness bias: Attractive people are generally advantaged and viewed more favorably than those who are not.
• Sizeism, or weight bias: Those thinner and more muscular are generally advantaged and viewed more favorably than those who are not.
• Language-ism (linguistic discrimination), or language bias: Those who speak English without a thick accent are often generally advantaged and viewed more favorably than those who do not.

These four "isms" reflect biases and stereotypes that profoundly shape our perceptions, relationships, interactions, and opportunities, yet they remain underexplored in healthcare, academic, occupational, and most importantly mainstream discourse.

Heightism

Heightism, or discrimination based on height, is a form of bias that disproportionately affects shorter individuals, particularly men. Studies (Robinson, 2015) have shown that taller individuals are often perceived as more competent, authoritative, and even more attractive. This bias can influence hiring practices, leadership opportunities, social interactions among others. For example, taller people are more likely to be selected for leadership roles or receive higher salaries, reflecting societal associations between height and power or competence. Despite its prevalence, heightism is rarely acknowledged as a legitimate form of discrimination. It is more often dismissed as trivial compared to other more commonly addressed biases, such as classism or racism.

Lookism

Lookism, or discrimination based on physical appearance, particularly perceived attractiveness, is another pervasive yet underdiscussed form of bias. People rated as more attractive by others, research has shown, are often afforded more opportunities, treated more favorably in social situations, and are more likely to be perceived as competent or trustworthy. Sitcoms such as Friends and Seinfeld are skilled at showing how beautiful people, especially women, can get away with almost anything. This bias can have significant implications for people's lives, affecting everything from job prospects to social relationships. For example, studies (e.g., University at Buffalo, 2021) have shown that attractive individuals are more likely to be hired and promoted, receive lighter sentences in legal proceedings, and generally experience more positive social interactions. Lookism reinforces unrealistic beauty standards and can lead to dangerous or risky behaviors among others, such as eating disorders or cosmetic surgery. Despite its impact, lookism is rarely addressed in discussions on inequity and social justice.

Sizeism

Sizeism, or discrimination based on body size, particularly against those who are overweight or obese, is deeply entrenched in many societies, especially the United States. People with larger bodies often face stigma, bullying, and discrimination in employment, healthcare, and education. This bias is perpetuated by societal norms that equate thinness with health, success, and self-discipline, while viewing larger bodies as indicative of laziness or lack of control. Sizeism can lead to serious psychological and physical health consequences including depression, anxiety, and disordered eating. Despite its prevalence, sizeism is often overlooked or even justified in mainstream discourse on opportunity and social justice.

Linguistic Discrimination

Linguistic discrimination, or bias based based on language or accent, is another form of insidious inequity that is often ignored. It is favoring people who speak a certain language or dialect, or stigmatizing those with accents perceived as "nonstandard" or "foreign." Linguistic discrimination can affect job opportunities, social interactions, and even access to services. For example, people with accents or dialects that are not considered the "standard" in a given society may be unfairly judged as less intelligent, less capable, or less trustworthy. This bias is particularly harmful in multicultural societies such as the United States, where linguistic diversity should be celebrated rather than stigmatized. However, linguistic discrimination is rarely discussed in the same context as other forms of bias, inequity, and social justice, despite its significant impact.

The Intersectionality of Underdiscussed "isms"

One reason these forms of discrimination are rarely discussed is that they often intersect with other, more widely recognized forms of bias. For example, heightism can intersect with sexism, as societal expectations of male height reinforce traditional gender roles. Similarly, lookism and sizeism often intersect with sexism and racism, as beauty standards are often rooted in Eurocentric ideals that marginalize people of color and those who do not conform to thin, Western beauty norms. Linguistic discrimination can intersect with racism and xenophobia, as language is often used as a proxy for ethnic or cultural identity.

The lack of attention to these forms of discrimination reflects a broader societal tendency to prioritize certain issues of inequity over others, often based on the visibility or perceived legitimacy of the bias. However, just because these forms of discrimination are less visible or less discussed does not mean they are less pernicious. Heightism, lookism, sizeism, and linguistic discrimination all contribute to a society that values certain traits and characteristics over others, often to the detriment of those who do not conform to these ideals.

Conclusion

All four qualities, being taller, prettier, thinner, speaking English natively do not make anyone innately more credible or better suited for a job, relationship, or opportunity than anyone else. Yet we have equivocally over-indexed on all four. Heightism, lookism, sizeism, and linguistic discrimination are insidious forms of often overlooked bias and inequity that are deeply ingrained in society. They carry enormous heft on one's opportunities, self-esteem, and overall well-being. By bringing these four biases to the forefront to discussions about discrimination and inequity, we can begin to address the broader spectrum of biases and inequity that shape our society in order to work toward a more inclusive and equitable world. Addressing these "isms" directly requires a shift in societal attitudes, greater awareness of the impact of biases, and a commitment to challenging and dismantling the social power structures and norms that perpetuate them.