Are preferences for legs length universal? Data from a semi-nomadic Himba population from Namibia

The Journal of Social Psychology
Piotr SorokowskiMara L Mberira

Abstract

Leg-to-body ratio (LBR) is one of the morphological traits that influences a person's attractiveness. To date, studies confirming that hypothesis have been conducted mainly in Western cultures. They have shown that the average or slightly higher-than-the-average LBR is perceived to be attractive in women. In the case of men, results were more ambiguous; however generally shorter or similar LBRs compared to females were attractive. Here, data on LBR preferences of a traditional, semi-nomad ethnic group (i.e., the Himba of northern Namibia, n = 81) are reported. Also in Himba people LBR influences a person's attractiveness. Similar to Western societies, extremely high and low LBRs were unattractive. However, contrary to previous findings, Himba preferred women of relatively low LBR and men of relatively high LBR.

References

Jul 3, 1998·European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology·R RopretS Jaric
Dec 20, 2007·Body Image·Viren SwamiAdrian Furnham
Jul 10, 2010·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Barry Bogin, Maria Inês Varela-Silva

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Citations

Feb 22, 2012·Archives of Sexual Behavior·Piotr Sorokowski, Agnieszka Sorokowska
Oct 18, 2015·Archives of Sexual Behavior·Satoru Kiire
Nov 15, 2017·Royal Society Open Science·Thomas M M Versluys, William J Skylark

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