Women’s preferences for male facial features

DeBruine, L. M. (2014) Women’s preferences for male facial features. In: Weekes-Shackelford, V. A. and Shackelford, T. K. (eds.) Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Sexual Psychology and Behavior. Series: Evolutionary psychology. Springer: New York, NY, pp. 261-275. ISBN 9781493903139 (doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0314-6_14)

Abstract

Due to human biparental care, we might expect few differences in the characteristics that men and women find attractive in opposite-sex faces. Indeed, evidence shows that both men and women prefer opposite-sex faces with characteristics that are likely to signal current or long-term health, such as symmetry, averageness, and a healthy weight. However, while men have strong preferences for feminine female faces, women do not show the strong, consistent preferences for male masculinity that were initially predicted. Trade-off theory suggests that this may be due to male masculinity signaling both positive traits (e.g., health) and negative traits (e.g., low investment). Despite controversy about the exact mechanisms, trade-off theory has shown great utility in predicting the circumstances under which women prefer masculine male traits more or less.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: DeBruine, Professor Lisa
• Authors: DeBruine, L. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 2197-9898
• ISBN: 9781493903139