Survival of the Prettiest Summary

Why are people so drawn to beauty? Is it purely societal influence, or does something deeper — perhaps biological — govern our attraction to aesthetics?

1. Beauty's fascination may stem from biology.

From infancy, humans display an innate preference for beauty. Even small babies, untainted by societal norms, tend to focus longer on faces deemed attractive by adults. This early predisposition points to beauty as something inherent, not entirely shaped by culture. Psychologist Judith Langlois's research supports this, showing that babies' visual attention often aligns with adult standards of beauty.

Our preference for beauty is seen as part of our evolutionary toolkit. Beautiful traits signal health, strength, and genetic superiority — elements crucial for survival. From the symmetry of a face to the softness of skin, these features trigger subconscious biological assessments.

Additionally, beauty isn't simply about visual appeal; it also has physical and emotional effects. People often describe beauty using terms like "breathtaking" and "knockout," showcasing how it captivates and resonates universally beyond cultural influences.

Examples

• Babies in Langlois's study stared longer at photos rated "attractive" by adults.
• Cross-cultural research reveals similar preferences for beauty, regardless of race, among all groups sampled.
• The emotional language we use to describe beauty reflects its powerful impact on our senses.

2. Scientists long ignored beauty's role in human behavior.

Despite beauty's apparent significance, the sciences historically avoided this topic. Early efforts, such as Lavater's physiognomy studies, sought to correlate physical traits with behavior, only to be discredited later. This led to reluctance in pursuing beauty-related inquiries.

The Standard Social Science Model (SSSM) of the twentieth century complicated matters further. It portrayed the mind as a blank slate solely shaped by environment and culture, disregarding any biological connection to phenomena like beauty. Naomi Wolf's book The Beauty Myth also contributed by framing beauty as entirely constructed by societal and patriarchal systems.

While cultural constructs indeed shape parts of beauty, ignoring biological roots oversimplifies the topic. For example, Roger Bingham observed biological cues in beauty rituals, like the use of blush to mimic natural indicators of youth and health.

Examples

• Lavater's pseudoscientific linking of facial features with personality tarnished early beauty studies.
• The Beauty Myth declared beauty a patriarchal tool but disregarded biology's role.
• Bingham highlighted how women use cosmetics to emphasize biologically attractive features like flushed skin.

3. Beauty serves survival purposes.

Beyond its appeal, beauty aids survival. Baby animals, including humans, possess features designed to evoke care — soft skin, large eyes, and round faces. These traits encourage adult protection, crucial during infancy's vulnerable stages.

In the animal kingdom, beauty often indicates fitness. For instance, male peacocks with the most vibrant feathers are likelier to mate, even if their display increases predation risks. These displays are valuable because they signal strong genetic qualities to potential mates.

In humans, beauty also acts as a social and reproductive tool. Studies reveal that attractive women tend to marry partners with higher education and income levels, showcasing how physical allure transcends mere aesthetic appeal and influences life's opportunities.

Examples

• Baby chimps with white tail tufts were protected by adult chimps due to their "cute" appearance.
• Peacocks with more vibrant feathers attract more mates despite added risks to survival.
• Human studies link physical beauty in women to increased chances of advantageous marriages.

4. Humans share universal beauty preferences rooted in evolution.

Certain signs of attractiveness trigger universal recognition. People across all demographics seem drawn to symmetry, smooth surfaces, and harmonic visual or auditory elements, underscoring an innate preference likely tied to health and survival.

Symmetry, for example, often signals strong genes, as irregularities could point to genetic or environmental challenges during development. This explains why symmetrical features are widely considered appealing across cultures. Similarly, clear and smooth skin denotes health, while glossy hair signals vitality.

The hourglass figure in women further exemplifies these preferences. Research from a Dutch insemination clinic found women with certain waist-to-hip ratios were significantly more fertile, linking this archetype to reproductive success.

Examples

• Babies in studies stared longer at symmetrical patterns, even in abstract or non-human images.
• Symmetrical faces and clear skin are universally perceived as beautiful.
• Women with lower waist-to-hip ratios in studies showed higher fertility rates.

5. Beauty impacts social perceptions and interactions.

Beauty frequently validates the famous "halo effect," where attractive individuals are perceived as better or more virtuous overall. Karen Dion's studies revealed that beautiful children received leniency and more favorable interpretations of misbehavior compared to less attractive peers.

Adults benefit similarly. Experiments show society tends to be more generous toward good-looking individuals. One study had actresses intentionally leave dimes in phone booths and return to ask strangers about them; beautiful women were far more likely to receive truthful responses.

This leads to behavioral changes in the beautiful. Customary preferential treatment imbues them with higher expectations, as they grow accustomed to privilege. They may display less patience, as seen in experiments where attractive participants in waiting rooms demanded attention faster than their less attractive counterparts.

Examples

• Attractive children stomping on a dog's tail were assumed to "need parenting" compared to unattractive children labeled "troublemakers."
• A dime retrieval experiment favored beautiful women (87% returned the dime vs. 64% for less attractive participants).
• Attractive participants in a study waited only 3.3 minutes, versus 9 minutes for others, reflecting entitlement.

6. Societal biases amplify beauty standards.

Cultural narratives surrounding beauty often reinforce inequality. Harry Hoetink’s research into West Indian racial dynamics showed that beauty standards mimic the traits of the historically dominant population, perpetuating systemic disparities.

Brazil offers a modern example of this inequity. Although a majority of the population is not white, beauty ideals favor lighter-skinned individuals because these traits are aligned with the still-powerful Portuguese ancestry. Media amplifies this, showcasing an unrepresentative yet influential narrative.

Such standards harm children as well. Aside from societal biases, even parents tend to prefer attractive offspring, fostering disparities in love and care and contributing to troubling cycles of favoritism and neglect.

Examples

• In the West Indies, beauty standards mimicked colonial rulers' appearances.
• Brazilian magazine models predominantly feature lighter skin despite national demographics.
• Studies demonstrate parents show preference for attractive children over less attractive siblings.

7. Beauty rituals blend biology and culture.

Although cultural influences shape beauty practices, a biological basis underscores many beauty rituals. Makeup, for instance, often mimics physical cues of attractiveness: lipstick emphasizes healthy blood flow, while rouge mimics natural blushing.

Over 500 years of corseted fashion illustrates an obsession with idealized waist-to-hip proportions. Whether through ancient garments or modern Photoshop edits, humans continually amplify biologically attractive markers via cultural tools.

These adaptations show that while our perception of beauty evolves, underlying preferences remain tied to survival instincts.

Examples

• Makeup accentuates youth and vitality by coloring features like lips and cheeks.
• Corsets, which artificially slimmed waists, dominated fashion trends for centuries.
• Modern editing tools perpetuate unrealistic beauty ideals, echoing biological preferences.

8. Beauty triggers joy and connection.

Beauty, whether appreciated in people, art, or nature, inspires powerful emotional responses that enrich the human experience. It captivates our attention and brings pleasure, making it an invaluable part of life.

Children's adorable physical traits, for example, ensure they receive care and attention. Similarly, admiration for beautiful art engages audiences across cultures, uniting people through shared appreciation. These responses show how beauty fosters connection and meaning in daily life.

However, when beauty becomes a commodity, issues arise. Media-driven beauty standards can distort self-perception, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Finding balance between appreciating beauty and resisting harmful biases is essential.

Examples

• Children's cuteness elicits smiles, affection, and care from even unrelated adults.
• Art museums worldwide draw millions each year, proving beauty's universal appeal.
• Media perpetuates corrosive beauty hierarchies, often harming self-esteem.

9. Tackling biases requires blending biology and cultural awareness.

It’s impossible, and undesirable, to eliminate our natural appreciation of beauty. Instead, greater awareness can help counteract unfair practices based on looks. Recognizing both innate and socially constructed aspects of beauty allows us to address biases more thoughtfully.

Actively challenging stereotypes and exposing children to diverse representations can counteract harmful narratives while celebrating beauty's positive influences. Educating communities can also open dialogue about how standards develop and impact individuals.

By balancing instinctive appreciation with critical evaluation, society can embrace beauty without perpetuating discrimination.

Examples

• Diverse representation in media can reshape perceptions of beauty across generations.
• Awareness campaigns challenge societal preferences for one beauty type.
• Parental guidance on equity minimizes favoritism in treating attractive versus less attractive siblings.

Takeaways

1. Recognize and address beauty biases in daily interactions, ensuring fairness in judgment and treatment.
2. Expose yourself and others to diverse representations of beauty to challenge narrow societal standards.
3. Discuss the biological and cultural aspects of beauty with friends or community groups to build awareness and accountability.