Sexual aesthetics are defined as the standards that people have about what is considered to be beautiful, attractive, sexy, or desirable in terms of physical appearance, body type, and sexual expression. These standards can vary greatly between different cultures, genders, ages, and individuals, but they play a significant role in shaping relational and social hierarchies within societies.
One way in which sexual aesthetics shape relational and social hierarchies is through the concept of beauty privilege. In many cultures, there is an implicit belief that those who are deemed more physically attractive are more worthy of attention, admiration, and affection than others. This can lead to a hierarchy where certain groups of people are seen as "more desirable" than others, leading to unequal power dynamics and unequal opportunities.
Studies have shown that women with traditionally attractive features such as long hair, clear skin, and a small waistline tend to be more likely to be hired for jobs and promoted in their careers than women with less traditional features. Similarly, in relationships, partners may prefer someone who meets their ideal standard of beauty, leading them to pursue and prioritize these types of people above all others.
Another way in which sexual aesthetics shape relational and social hierarchies is through the idea of erotic capital. Erotic capital refers to the perceived value of a person's sexuality and ability to perform sexually. Those who are seen as having greater erotic capital, whether due to their physical attributes, charisma, or sexual prowess, tend to be more valued by society at large, leading to greater power and status. This can result in a hierarchy where certain groups of people are considered to be more valuable than others based on their sexual appeal.
Sexual aesthetics also shape relational and social hierarchies through the concept of intimacy hierarchies. These hierarchies refer to the different levels of closeness and connection between individuals within a relationship. Different cultures may have different expectations for what constitutes an appropriate level of intimacy, and this can impact how partners interact and relate to one another.
Some cultures may place a high value on physical touch and public displays of affection, while others may view these behaviors as inappropriate or even taboo. This can lead to unequal power dynamics within a relationship, where one partner feels entitled to a higher degree of intimacy than the other.
Sexual aesthetics play a significant role in shaping relational and social hierarchies unconsciously. They can create power imbalances between different groups of people and influence how individuals relate to one another. It is important for individuals and societies to recognize and challenge these biases to promote equality and respect for all people, regardless of their appearance, gender, age, or sexual expression.
How do sexual aesthetics shape relational and social hierarchies unconsciously?
Sexual aesthetics refer to how individuals perceive and evaluate their own body type as well as others' physical appearance. The perception of attractiveness plays an important role in shaping relational and social hierarchies unconsciously because it influences the formation of romantic relationships, sexual interactions, and other interpersonal connections.