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Physical Attractiveness and Social Status
Author(s) -
Frevert Tonya K.,
Walker Lisa Slattery
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
sociology compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1751-9020
DOI - 10.1111/soc4.12132
Subject(s) - attractiveness , physical attractiveness , explication , beauty , perception , social psychology , power (physics) , race (biology) , social exchange theory , sociology , psychology , gender studies , political science , epistemology , law , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , neuroscience , psychoanalysis
In this article, we outline the evidence regarding the status effects of physical attractiveness, paying particular attention to outcomes in the areas of jobs, crime, performance evaluations, power, health perceptions, and exchange. The framework of status characteristics theory is used to guide our explication. The role of attractiveness in marketing is also discussed. While the literature generally supports the idea that attractiveness is good for people, we also consider evidence that beauty can be detrimental for some individuals in certain situations. Issues of race and gender are also considered as well as future research directions.