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Researchers in the UK have determined that women prefer men with facial stubble, whom they view as “tough, mature, aggressive, dominant and masculine - and as the best romantic partners, either for a fling or a long-term relationship”.
Research Psychologists at Northumbria University used computer technology to alter the photos of men’s faces to reflect different stages of facial hair- clean-shaven, light stubble, heavy stubble, light beard and full beard.
The study goes on to state: “In desirability for a short-term relationship, a female preference for male faces with stubble or light beard was found, with clean-shaven and fully bearded faces being the least preferred.” (Editor’s Note: I do love me a 5 o’clock shadow, except when it leaves me with red, irritated skin after a long, steamy makeout sesh.)
Are we biologically programmed to respond favorably to men’s moderate facial hair? Are we socially conditioned to view stubbly guys as ideal mates? Or is this study totally off the rails, using marginal and anecdotal evidence to falsely generalize the preferences of the larger female population?
This study provides some evidence against the so-called rise of the metrosexual, claiming that the moderate manly-man is truly more desirable. But it’s not a black and white issue, and there are so many factors that come into play when accounting for female preferences.
For instance, an individual’s age is a key factor in their evaluation of attractive partners. While a thirty-year-old woman might find a beard a signal of maturity and masculinity, an eighteen-year-old college freshman might find it simply repulsive. And what about how women change? What we find attractive in the opposite sex is much different now than, say, five years ago.
The reason this study bugs me is the marked nature of stereotyping that women want an aggressive and dominant protector. It’s reducing us back to the comical cavewoman, cowering and waiting for a big, strong manly-man to come rescue us. Of course, I might be reading too much into this study- but I really don’t believe the collective attraction of all women can be summed up so cleanly and succinctly. Individual choice and preference is crucial- while your roommate might dig the scrawny, string bean type, maybe you desire meatier men with shaved heads.
In addition, their study reflects on visual attraction alone, but when was the last time you dated someone based purely on their looks? We have all sweated over the gorgeous guy who turns out to be as dumb as a rock, or the average-looking nerdy boy who turns out to be wildly sweet and romantic. Looks don’t tell the whole story- and neither does this study.
What do you think?
8 Comments
The study specifically does not stereotype women as wanting an aggressive and dominant protector; men with light and full beards were rated most aggressive and dominant, and were not preferred. According to the article, it sounds like the researchers believe that stubble simply signifies sexual maturity, which I’d consider pretty important in a potential partner.
As far as the study being only about looks, one study can only cover so much. If the study had tried to expand and somehow analyze all the things women might find attractive, it would be a big messy failure. To be honest, I don’t see anything implying that the researchers are overstepping their boundaries in any of the conclusions they draw. It’s true that research like this can be misguided or misinterpreted, but as far as I can see, that’s not the case here.
Ummmm Jane, the study says “Women participating in the research rated men with stubble as tough, mature, aggressive, dominant and masculine”.
Aggressive and dominant, front and center.
She never said the researchers were overstepping their boundaries- it looks like she was just commenting on the findings, her opinion about the results.
Whatever, I am definitely not a stubble fan- I LIKE CLEAN SHAVEN BOYS!
Stubbly faces were only more dominant and aggressive than completely clean shaven faces - if you read on, the article says:
“Faces with full beards were judged to be the most masculine, aggressive and socially mature.” “Men with light beards were considered the most dominant.”
Sorry if I offended you, I just was confused by her interpretation of the study.
stubble is so…damn…HOT!! i think the article definitely has a lot of truth in it, though that generalization is far from universal or absolute. it’s just a generalization. it’s no more or less “accurate” than saying “women like men.”
I didn’t read the study. But I’ve always preferred stubble to clean shaven (and a full beard over all).
Hey, do you still have a pr ofile on ‘Ric h ki ss.co m’? I saw it days ago. And there were many nice pics of you. I love them. Are you still there?
I love stubble on a guy! So hot!
I love stubble- my boyfriend looks H-O-T when he doesn’t shave for a few days. Thanks for the info, good article
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