Overview

"This thought-provoking book examines the science behind human attractiveness—the ratios, proportions, and other factors that to a large extent dictate what we find ""beautiful."" It's said that ""beauty is in the eye of the beholder,"" but recent scientific research suggests that human attractiveness is much more objective than we once thought, deeply rooted in our biology and evolutionary history. For instance, facial symmetry is considered extremely attractive because it indicates good health and nutrition during the formative developmental years. This book explores these insights. Part I of The Biology of Beauty: The Science behind Human Attractiveness takes a closer look at what traits we find the most alluring and why. It discusses why attractiveness is important from an evolutionary standpoint and the advantages (and disadvantages) of being attractive. In addition to exploring these beauty ""universals,"" it examines how beauty ideals can be shaped by factors such as culture, religion, and the media. Part II provides an in-depth analysis of individual features that contribute to attractiveness, offering scientific explanations for our preferences. The book also includes a collection of insightful sidebars that highlight beauty ideals in different parts of the world and at other times in history."

Full Product Details

Author:   Rachelle M. Smith
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint:   Greenwood Press
Weight:   0.595kg
ISBN:  

9781440849886

ISBN 10:   1440849889
Pages:   280
Publication Date:   08 June 2018
Recommended Age:   From 7 to 17 years
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Primary & secondary/elementary & high school ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Educational: Primary & Secondary
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Preface Part I: Understanding Beauty 1. Defining Beauty 2. The Benefits of Beauty 3. Buying Beauty 4. Changes in Beauty Trends over Time 5. Evolution's Impact on Modern Attraction: The Interaction of Genes and Environment 6. The Impact of Attractiveness on Behavior and Relationship Satisfaction 7. Psychological Effects of the Preoccupation with Beauty Part II: Beauty from Head to Toe Head, Facial, and Body Hair Skin Face Shape and Structure Eyes Nose Ears Lips Teeth Hands Body Shape and Proportions Breasts and Buttocks Muscularity Inguinal Crease Male Genitalia Feet Hormonal Influences on Attraction Psychological Traits Glossary References and Further Reading Index

Reviews

[W]ritten in a very accessible and easy-to-read style . . . this book would be appropriate for libraries serving psychology departments that focus on evolutionary psychology. - ARBA

"""[W]ritten in a very accessible and easy-to-read style . . . this book would be appropriate for libraries serving psychology departments that focus on evolutionary psychology."" - ARBA"

Author Information

Rachelle M. Smith, PhD, is associate professor of psychology and chair of social sciences at Husson University.

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