Your looks are important in the Connected World podcast

All episodes

• Episode 1 – Giselinde Kuipers: what is aesthetic capital?

  In this first episode of the Connected World podcast, Doortje Smithuijsen and Giselinde Kuipers explore the definition and meaning of "Aesthetic Capital. Giselinde Kuipers is a professor at KU Leuven's Center for Sociological Research. She analyzes how cultural norms are formed, for example in humor, beauty, fashion, media, cycling and translation; and how such norms influence social inequalities, identities and interactions. Listen to the episode here.

• Episode 2 – Giulia Ranzini: The importance of looks on dating apps

  In the second episode, Doortje speaks with communication scientist Giulia Ranzini about the rise of dating apps and the focus on looks in finding partner(s). What developments does Ranzini see within online dating? What role do looks, ethnic background, and education level play in our choice of partner? Listen to the episode.

• Episode 3 - Tom Decades: the rise of cosmetic surgery

  Doortje Smithuijsen sits down with Tom Decates, a renowned doctor specializing in botox and fillers, to dissect the growing phenomenon of aesthetic capital. Decates has been closely following the rise of social media’s influence on beauty standards and its impact on people’s decisions about these procedures. They explore the motivations behind the surge in botox and fillers, unpack the potential risks involved, and emphasise the importance of seeking qualified professionals. The conversation delves deeper, prompting questions about whether the pursuit of a perfect aesthetic is a symptom of larger societal issues related to self-esteem and social acceptance.

• Episode 4 - Berno Bucker & Mark van Vught: Navigating first impressions

  What is the importance of a first impression? Significant, according to VU Amsterdam professor of Evolutionary Psychology, Work, and Organizational Psychology, Mark van Vught. In this podcast episode, van Vught discusses the role of first impressions and why, for instance, 'a beautiful face' can more quickly lead to a job or a romantic relationship. Also, Berno Bucker, director of the VU Demonstrator Lab, talks about the new app RealFaceValue, entirely based on research on first impressions. The creators aim to assist doctors and individuals considering cosmetic surgery with their decisions.

• Episode 5 - Janice Deul: Fashion for All, A Quest for Inclusivity

  How can the fashion industry be more inclusive? Janice Deul is a driving force in the fashion world. As a fashion activist, she utilizes the power of fashion and beauty to make our society more inclusive. Her activist fire was ignited when she realized early in her career that women of colour weren’t getting the same opportunities as white women in the world of modeling. In this interview, Doortje and Janice delve deeperinto the question of how inclusive the fashion industry and our society really are. How can we take steps together towards a world where everyone counts, regardless of their skin colour, body type, or age?

• Episode 6 - Inger Leemans: A Cultural Historic Perspective on Beauty Standards and Pornography

  What do we know about beauty ideals through the ages? Inger Leemans is a Professor of Cultural History at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In this episode, Doortje and Inger together explore the evolution of aesthetic ideals throughout history, examining and discussing the influence of societal norms and technological advancements on perceptions of beauty.

• Episode 7 - Laura Vonk: How your appearance matters in the workplace

  Scientist Laura Vonk discovered that appearance matters in the workplace. Employees invest considerable time and effort to meet aesthetic standards set by employers, colleagues, and society. This has profound implications for individuals and society as a whole. In this podcast episode, Laura reveals the hidden processes and unexpected consequences of our norms regarding appearance and presentation.