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Too fat, too ugly, too tattooed: who belongs, and what are the risks?

Address discrimination based on physical appearance at work.

Femme tatouée illustrant les discriminations liées à l’apparence physique au travail

Diversity, equity & inclusion · Physical appearance

From facial features to body size, physical appearance is immediately visible and attracts stereotypes. According to France’s Defender of Rights in 2024, it was the second most frequently experienced ground of discrimination in companies. Appearance covers many issues linked to physical integrity and personal expression: height, weight, clothing, body hair, tattoos and piercings. How far is it legitimate to demand conformity with a company’s image? And what is the cost of conformity?

Part 1 · Looking the part

  • Beauty: not such a subjective concept
  • Freedom and limits on expressing physical appearance at work

Part 2 · The weight of weight stigma

  • Understand fatphobia

Part 3 · What solutions?

  • Avoid the dangers of conformity
  • Find a healthy balance in identity
  • Act individually and collectively

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