The psychology of physical attraction / Viren Swami and Adrian Furnham.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Swami, Viren, 1980-

Contributor:

Furnham, Adrian.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Interpersonal attraction.

Physical Description:

xv, 222 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2008.

Summary:

People have long been interested in the complexities of human beauty, but until recently the science of attractiveness was largely left to poets, playwrights, philosophers, and artists. This book begins the task of providing a scientific look at physical attraction by presenting an overview of scholarly work on physical beauty, culture, evolution and other aspects of human attractiveness.

The Psychology of Physical Attraction begins by discussing the role of evolution in the development of what it means to be "attractive" in contemporary society. It provides a general overview of evolutionary psychology and mate choice, as well as an in-depth focus on physical characteristics such as physical symmetry, body weight and ratios, and youthfulness. The book goes on to explore the role of societal and cultural ideals of beauty through a discussion of the social psychology of human beauty. Finally, the "morality" of physical attractiveness is examined, looking at issues such as discrimination on the basis of looks, body image and eating disorders, and cosmetic surgery.

Combining both evolutionary and social perspectives, this book offers a unique and comprehensive overview of the many debates involved in the science of physical attraction which ultimately allows for a better understanding of human beauty. It will be of interest to students and researchers in psychology, as well as anyone interested in the science of physical attractiveness.

Contents:

1 What Pythagoras unleashed upon the world 1

2 What is beautiful is good 9

3 Darwin, sexual selection and the peacock's tail 21

4 The naked woman and man 35

5 Of hourglasses and triangles: human body weight and shape 60

6 The Venus of Willendorf, Rubens and milking huts 81

7 Welcome to the mating market 109

8 No one is an island 123

9 Getting to know you 138

10 What future for physical attraction research? 154.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [165]-214) and index.

ISBN:

9780415422505

0415422507

9780415422512

0415422515

OCLC:

128236626