The phenomenon of a dating and mating hierarchy based on physical attractiveness in the Anglosphere, particularly in the United States and Canada, can be understood through several socio-cultural, historical, and psychological lenses:
Historical and Cultural Roots:
Echoes of the Feudal System:
The comparison to the feudal caste system isn't far-fetched. Historically, social status in England was heavily based on birth, wealth, and land ownership, which determined one's life prospects, including marriage. Today, while class structures have evolved, the concept of social hierarchy remains influential, with physical attractiveness now playing a significant role in social status. The idea that "beauty is good" perpetuates a sort of modern nobility where the attractive are perceived as possessing inherent advantages or virtues, similar to the nobility of old.
Loss of Traditional Class Structures:
The dissolution of rigid class systems in the West might have left a vacuum in social stratification. Physical attractiveness has filled this void, offering a new, visible, and easily quantifiable measure of status. Without the old markers of class like lineage or inherited wealth, physical beauty becomes a more prominent indicator of social value.
Modern Influences:
Media and Hollywood:
The entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, has long emphasized physical beauty as a primary attribute for success, influencing public perception of what is desirable or 'worthy'. The constant exposure to idealized images through movies, TV shows, and now social media, sets a high standard for beauty that permeates daily life. This media-driven culture emphasizes looks over other qualities, leading to a societal focus on appearance.
Social Media:
Social media platforms amplify the importance of looks by allowing individuals to curate their appearance, compare themselves to others globally, and receive immediate feedback on their attractiveness through likes, comments, and shares. This digital environment can intensify beauty standards, making physical appearance a more central aspect of social interaction and personal value.
Infantilization and Consumer Culture:
The infantilization of adults, where there's a cultural tendency to extend youth or childlike qualities into adulthood, might also play a role. This can be linked to consumer culture where staying young, fit, and attractive is marketed as a goal, further emphasizing physical appearance.
Comparative Cultural Perspectives:
Different Cultural Values in the East:
In Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, cultural values might place less emphasis on physical beauty alone due to different societal structures where family, community, and traditional roles can be more pivotal in mate selection. Here, qualities like financial stability, social status, or family background might overshadow looks. Women in these cultures might have broader criteria for partner selection, influenced by cultural norms that value other traits over physical beauty.
Practical Considerations:In many Eastern cultures, practical considerations such as marriage for stability, economic reasons, or social alliances might lead to less stringent standards for physical beauty. The concept of "average" can be more normalized or even preferred for the sake of long-term compatibility and familial harmony.
Why Looks Might Matter More Now:
Evolutionary Psychology:
Evolutionary theories suggest that physical attractiveness can be a signal of health, fertility, and genetic fitness, traits that would be advantageous in mate selection. However, in modern societies, where many other indicators of success are available, looks have become increasingly prominent due to media influence and the commodification of beauty.
Social Mobility:
In societies where traditional class structures have been dismantled, physical appearance can serve as a new form of social currency, allowing individuals to achieve higher social standing or perceived value in the dating market.In conclusion, while the Anglosphere's focus on looks might seem extreme, it's a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and modern influences. The phenomenon isn't entirely new but has been amplified by contemporary cultural dynamics where visual media and personal presentation dominate social interactions. However, this does not mean that other regions are devoid of such hierarchies; they simply might prioritize different attributes or have different thresholds for physical beauty due to cultural, economic, or social reasons.
