Post 2: High vs. Low Symmetry
High facial symmetry has been perceived as healthier and more promising for superior offspring in both males and females. Low facial symmetry can be interpreted as an unhealthy signal of potential developmental and environmental stress and/or challenges. Therefore, when mating as humans we unconsciously prefer high symmetry due to its indicator of superior genetic quality.
A male's attractiveness is based on facial and body characteristics that exhibit high levels of testosterone. Men with large upper bodies (chest, arms, etc.) are considered to have higher levels of testosterones and be dominant in nature. A female’s attractiveness is based on facial and body characteristics that signal high fertility, motherly instinct, femininity, and pathogen resistance. A woman's waist to hip ratio infers a better motherly instinct as well as fertility. It is also used as an indicator of a woman’s risk of disease and their hormonal status. Estrogen mediated traits like lips and breast size, usually larger, are more desirable for both long and short term relationships.
Wade, T. J. (2010). The Relationships between Symmetry and Attractiveness and Mating Relevant Decisions and Behavior: A Review. Symmetry, 2(2), 1081-1098. https://doi.org/10.3390/sym2021081
This was a really informative post! I like how you explained the connection between symmetry and attraction from both male and female perspectives. It’s interesting how our brains are wired to pick up on these small physical cues without us even realizing it. I also found the point about waist-to-hip ratio and estrogen traits really eye-opening there’s so much biology behind what we find attractive. Great job tying it all back to evolutionary psychology!
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