What does the 'dumb-blonde hypothesis' suggest about beautiful women in the workplace?

The 'dumb-blonde hypothesis' posits that attractive women, particularly those who fit the stereotype of being a 'blonde bombshell,' are often perceived as lacking intelligence. This stereotype suggests that beauty is associated with a lack of depth or intellect, leading to assumptions that these individuals may not be as capable or competent in professional settings. This stereotype can adversely impact how these women are treated in the workplace, as colleagues and superiors might overlook their skills and qualifications due to preconceived notions based solely on their appearance.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the hypothesis. For example, attributing high intelligence to these women would contradict the stereotype, while suggesting they are preferred for leadership roles does not consider the biases they may face. Likewise, the assertion that they face less discrimination than less attractive individuals ignores the negative assumptions tied to their appearance. Thus, the belief that beautiful women are thought to lack intelligence encapsulates the essence of the dumb-blonde hypothesis.