Attractiveness doesn’t matter
Cope.
Physical attractiveness has been associated with mating behavior, but its role in reproductive success of contemporary humans has received surprisingly little attention. In the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (1244 women, 997 men born between 1937 and ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The Impact of Physical Attractiveness on Reproductive Success in Contemporary Society
Physical attractiveness has long been considered a significant factor in human mating behavior, often serving as a cue for mate quality and reproductive potential. While numerous studies have explored the relationship between attractiveness and mating preferences, fewer have examined its direct impact on reproductive success in modern, industrialized societies. This essay delves into the findings of Markus Jokela's 2009 study, "Physical attractiveness and reproductive success in humans: Evidence from the late 20th century United States," to understand how physical attractiveness influences reproductive outcomes in contemporary settings.
Jokela's research utilized data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, focusing on individuals born between 1937 and 1940. The study assessed physical attractiveness based on photographs taken around the age of 18 and analyzed its correlation with the number of biological children participants had by ages 53 to 56. The sample comprised 1,244 women and 997 men.
- Women: The study revealed a relationship between attractiveness and reproductive success among women. Women in the second-highest quartile of attractiveness had 16% more children than their less attractive counterparts, while those in the highest quartile had 6% more children.
- Men: For men, a threshold effect was observed. Men in the lowest quartile of attractiveness had 13% fewer children than those in higher attractiveness quartiles. This indicates that being perceived as unattractive may have a more pronounced negative impact on reproductive success for men than being perceived as highly attractive.
These findings highlight the complex interplay between physical attractiveness and reproductive success. In women, moderate attractiveness appears to be associated with higher reproductive success, possibly due to increased marriage probability and partner stability. Conversely, for men, the study suggests that being perceived as unattractive may significantly hinder reproductive success, potentially due to reduced mating opportunities. The study also notes that these associations are explained by factors such as increased marriage probability among attractive individuals.
Jokela's research provides valuable insights into how physical attractiveness influences reproductive success in contemporary society.
Jokela, M. (2009). Physical attractiveness and reproductive success in humans: Evidence from the late 20th century United States. Evolution and Human Behavior, 30(5), 342–350.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2009.03.006