Pretty Privilege: The idea that being considered attractive by societal standards provides certain advantages in life.
Psychological Perspective: Explores how societal perceptions of beauty impact treatment and assumptions about individuals.
Social Treatment and Beauty Standards
Social Psychologists: Michael Hogg and Graham Bond note that attractive individuals receive better social treatment.
Cultural Standards: Anthropologist Clelland Ford and psychologist Frank Beach emphasize that beauty ideals vary across cultures.
Universal Features: Despite cultural variations, certain features like facial symmetry and average-looking faces are considered attractive across cultures.
Evolutionary Perspective
Symmetry and Averageness: Psychological studies find these traits as signals of biological strength and health.
Jillian Rhodes: Attributes the preference for these traits to evolutionary adaptations for mate selection.
Advantages of Being Considered Attractive
Children and Adults: Attractiveness correlates with higher grades, popularity, career success, and social likability.
The Halo Effect: Describes how one positive trait (e.g., beauty) can lead to assumptions of other positive traits (e.g., intelligence).
Limitations and Other Important Factors
IQ and Teacher Quality: These are primary indicators of academic and career success, not just attractiveness.
Authenticity and Vulnerability: According to psychologist Marina Harris, these traits are crucial for building meaningful relationships and self-esteem.
Real Beauty Beyond Appearance
Inner Beauty: Emphasizes personality traits like resilience and intelligence over physical appearance.