Like , normies never have any studies to support them, while, on the other hand, we have studies like this:
https://scholar.ufs.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/6ed81ac2-ffc7-4ba0-a995-b3ed332dfe38/content
Damian John Viviers’ dissertation,
"A Comparative Labour Law Perspective on Categories of Appearance-Based Prejudice in Employment," offers a comprehensive exploration of appearance-based discrimination, particularly in the context of employment. This form of prejudice, often referred to as "lookism," encompasses biases based on physical attractiveness, height, weight, grooming, and other physical traits. While Viviers’ research focuses primarily on the workplace, the themes he addresses—such as lookism, heightism, and weightism—have far-reaching implications that extend into social relationships and dating. By examining these biases through the lens of evolutionary biology, societal norms, and legal frameworks, Viviers’ work sheds light on how deeply ingrained appearance-based discrimination is in human behavior.
The Evolutionary Roots of Lookism and Heightism
At its core, lookism is a bias rooted in evolutionary biology. Humans have evolved to associate certain physical traits with health, fertility, and genetic fitness. For example, symmetrical facial features are often perceived as attractive because they signal good health and developmental stability. Similarly, clear skin and youthful appearances are linked to reproductive potential. These traits are not only valued in personal relationships but also carry over into professional settings, where attractive individuals are often afforded greater opportunities.Heightism—a subset of lookism—has similar evolutionary underpinnings. In ancestral societies, height was associated with strength and dominance, traits that were advantageous for survival and reproduction. Taller individuals were more likely to be perceived as leaders or protectors, roles that conferred social status. These perceptions persist in modern society, where taller men are often favored in both professional and romantic contexts. Studies have shown that taller men are more likely to be promoted to leadership positions and are perceived as more competent and authoritative. In dating scenarios, height is frequently cited as a desirable trait in men due to its association with masculinity and protection.
Lookism in Employment: A Legal Perspective
Viviers’ research highlights the significant impact of lookism on employment opportunities. Attractive individuals often experience what is colloquially known as "pretty privilege," receiving preferential treatment in hiring processes, promotions, and workplace interactions. Conversely, those who do not conform to societal standards of beauty may face discrimination that limits their career prospects.Despite its prevalence, appearance-based discrimination is rarely addressed explicitly in legal frameworks. In South Africa, for instance, the Employment Equity Act aims to prevent unfair discrimination but does not specifically include appearance as a protected category. Similarly, while some jurisdictions in the United States have local ordinances prohibiting appearance-based discrimination (such as those in Washington D.C. or San Francisco), there is no federal legislation addressing this issue comprehensively.Viviers’ comparative approach reveals that legal systems worldwide have been slow to recognize the harms caused by lookism and heightism. This lack of recognition perpetuates systemic inequalities, allowing biases based on physical appearance to persist unchecked.
The Intersection of Lookism and Dating
While Viviers’ dissertation focuses on employment law, the principles he discusses have clear parallels in the realm of dating and romantic relationships. Just as employers may favor attractive candidates or taller individuals for leadership roles, people often prioritize physical appearance when selecting romantic partners. This preference is deeply rooted in sexual selection—the evolutionary process by which certain traits become more common because they increase an individual’s chances of reproducing.In dating contexts, lookism manifests through societal standards that prioritize certain physical traits over others. For example:
- Attractiveness: Both men and women tend to prioritize physical attractiveness when evaluating potential partners. For women, traits like symmetry and clear skin are often associated with youthfulness and fertility. For men, physical fitness or muscularity may signal strength and the ability to provide.
- Height: Height plays a particularly significant role in heterosexual dating dynamics. Women frequently express a preference for taller men due to traditional gender roles that associate height with masculinity and protection. Shorter men often face biases that limit their romantic opportunities.
These biases are not merely cultural but also biological; they reflect deep-seated preferences shaped by millennia of human evolution. However, modern societal constructs amplify these preferences through media portrayals of idealized beauty standards.
The Broader Societal Implications of Appearance-Based Bias
The consequences of lookism extend beyond individual experiences to shape societal structures and hierarchies. In both employment and dating contexts, those who conform to societal standards of beauty enjoy significant advantages—whether it’s securing a high-paying job or attracting a desirable partner. This creates a feedback loop where attractive individuals accumulate social capital that further reinforces their privileged position.Conversely, those who do not meet these standards face systemic disadvantages that affect their self-esteem, mental health, and economic opportunities. Heightism exacerbates these inequalities; shorter men are not only overlooked for leadership roles but also face stigmatization in their personal lives.Viviers’ research underscores the need to challenge these biases at both individual and systemic levels. By addressing appearance-based prejudice in employment law, society can begin to dismantle the broader cultural norms that perpetuate inequality based on physical traits.
Addressing Lookism: Toward a More Inclusive Society
One of the key takeaways from Viviers’ dissertation is the importance of legal frameworks in combating appearance-based discrimination. While laws alone cannot eliminate deeply ingrained biases, they play a crucial role in setting societal standards for fairness and equality.In addition to legal reforms, raising awareness about the impacts of lookism is essential for fostering inclusivity. Educational campaigns can challenge stereotypes about attractiveness and height while promoting alternative measures of worth—such as competence or character—that go beyond physical appearance.In the context of dating, greater awareness can help individuals recognize how societal norms influence their preferences. By questioning these norms and prioritizing qualities like compatibility or shared values over superficial traits, people can form more meaningful connections.
Conclusion
Damian John Viviers’ dissertation provides a valuable lens through which to examine appearance-based prejudice in employment while offering insights into its broader implications for society. Lookism and heightism are deeply rooted in evolutionary biology but are exacerbated by cultural norms that prioritize certain physical traits over others. These biases affect not only workplace dynamics but also personal relationships like dating.Addressing appearance-based discrimination requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal reforms, education, and cultural change. By challenging societal standards of beauty and promoting inclusivity, we can create a world where individuals are valued for their abilities rather than their appearance—both at work and in love.
