Sex Differences in Physical Attractiveness Preferences

Sex differences in physical attractiveness preferences

Feinman, Saul; Gill, George W

Journal of Social Psychology. Vol 105(1), Jun 1978, pp. 43-52

Abstract
Investigated the validity of stereotyped beliefs about sex differences in preferences for opposite sex coloration. The likes and dislikes of 482 female and 549 male Caucasian college students for eye color, hair color, and complexion color of the opposite sex were investigated by means of sexual selection questionnaire. Results indicate sex differences in both likes and dislikes for all 3 features. Males indicated somewhat greater preference for lighter female coloration, while females indicated somewhat greater preference for darker male coloration. These results are discussed in terms of the "kernel of truth" hypothesis of stereotyping, and the possible relationship to earlier research on semantic meanings of color and gender words. Special attention was paid to the aversion of both sexes to redheads, and to the implications for understanding the predominance of Black male/White female couplings in Black-White interracial marriage in America.