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Andrius Mažeika

IT consultant, Freelance consultant

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Can we use clothing to induce Amy Cuddy's power positions?

One thing Amy did not mention in the talk was the effect of clothing on our body language and, consequently, on us.

How does strictly smart dress-code affect the testosterone levels of City bankers or how relaxed casual dress-code affect the creativity of some introvert programmer in Google?

What are the long term effects of power positions forced upon individuals who are naturally more introvert and less willing to be in the spotlight?

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Topics: science
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  • Andrey Kurchatoff

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    Oct 17 2012: From my personal experiences I woulld say wearing clothes are one small part of to increase your self awareness and power position. But the main point for wearing smart, expensive clothes would definitealy change others attitude towards the person. For example, if you gave a student ordinary clothe and let them go to interview for job or scholarship he/she might not feel tat she/he is different than others. But if you gave smart looking suit and leather shoes with Rolex watches absolutely te same student would feel much more powerful than the other ones. Even from his knowladge might not be enought, but the feeling would be greater than others would have.

  • Roland Hamel

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    Oct 17 2012: I should say so. Many styles of clothing are meant to augment or to approximate different body types. For instance, shoulder pads in men's suits would give the impression of a more expansive physique, which would make a person look more imposing than they might in more casual clothing. It's often called a "power suit."

    Additionally, fitness goals might also be an indicator of how a person wishes to be viewed not through body language, but by language of the body, if that makes sense. Strength training workouts are intended to make someone look wider by increasing muscle tissue, as opposed to alternative exercises, including tai chi and yoga, which give the body a longer, leaner look.
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      Andrius Mažeika

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      Oct 17 2012: I agree with your points, Roland. However, it would be interesting to see whether clothing can induce these power positions that Amy is talking about. Does wearing a suit make one feel more self-confident by straightening one's posture? If so, what effects does this have on testosterone levels? Also, when approving dress-codes, should companies be conscious of these effects?
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