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Review of Evolutionary models : the psychology of physical attraction, Swami, V. and Furnham, A.
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Huxley, Caroline J. (2008) Review of Evolutionary models : the psychology of physical attraction, Swami, V. and Furnham, A. Psychologist, Vol.21 (No.7). p. 605. ISSN 0952-8229
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Official URL: http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/
Abstract
Why are we attracted to particular people? The Psychology of Physical Attraction uses evolutionary and social psychological perspectives in trying to answer this question. The book begins with a basic introduction to Darwinian theory, and then leads the reader through an evolutionary explanation as to why certain physical features are cross-culturally considered attractive. The authors then discuss social factors and contexts in relationship formation.
The authors are keen to stress the importance of studying appearance, citing the social benefits of being considered attractive and potential discrimination faced by those who are not. Like the majority of research into physical appearance, much of the focus is on women’s bodies in terms of what is considered attractive to men (although the authors do acknowledge the increasing salience of men’s appearance). Readers predominantly interested in the social aspect should be aware that primacy is given to the evolutionary explanations.
Written in a very accessible style, the book is a good overview of the research in the area, and would be useful for anyone with an interest in beauty, appearance ideals and relationship formation.
| Item Type: | Book Review | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) | ||||
| Divisions: | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Biomedical Sciences > Translational & Experimental Medicine > Metabolic and Vascular Health (- until July 2016) Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School |
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| Journal or Publication Title: | Psychologist | ||||
| Publisher: | The British Psychological Society | ||||
| ISSN: | 0952-8229 | ||||
| Book Title: | Evolutionary models : the psychology of physical attraction | ||||
| Official Date: | 2008 | ||||
| Dates: |
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| Volume: | Vol.21 | ||||
| Number: | No.7 | ||||
| Page Range: | p. 605 | ||||
| Publication Status: | Published |
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