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Beauty and society.

David B Sarwer1, Ted A Grossbart, Elizabeth R Didie

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, The Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. dsarwer@mail.med.upenn.edu

Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|July 25, 2003
PubMed
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This article explores the multifaceted nature of beauty and physical attractiveness. It examines evolutionary perspectives, physiological factors, societal influences, and individual body image to understand what makes something or someone beautiful.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Body Image Studies

Background:

  • Beauty is a complex, subjective construct.
  • Understanding the determinants of beauty and physical attractiveness is challenging.
  • Societal standards of beauty have evolved, influenced by factors like mass media.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish beauty and physical attractiveness as significant areas of study.
  • To explore the evolutionary basis of beauty.
  • To investigate the physiological and psychological factors contributing to perceived beauty.

Main Methods:

  • Review of evolutionary theories on beauty.
  • Analysis of physiological characteristics associated with attractiveness (e.g., symmetry, youthfulness).

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  • Examination of historical shifts in beauty standards driven by mass media.
  • Application of body image constructs to understand individual perceptions of beauty.

    • Main Results:

    • Beauty has roots in evolutionary theory, potentially signaling health and reproductive fitness.
    • Physiological markers like symmetry, averageness, and youthfulness are consistently linked to attractiveness.
    • Societal beauty standards are dynamic, significantly shaped by media portrayals over time.
    • Individual body image significantly influences personal perceptions of beauty.

    Conclusions:

    • Beauty is a serious matter influenced by a combination of evolutionary, physiological, societal, and psychological factors.
    • Understanding beauty requires integrating perspectives from multiple scientific disciplines.
    • Further research into the interplay of these factors can enhance our comprehension of human attraction.