Societal hierarchies of desirability are based on socially constructed systems that dictate which characteristics and attributes are considered desirable or undesirable in an individual's personality, appearance, behavior, occupation, etc. These hierarchies can have significant effects on an individual's self-esteem and partner selection. In this article, I will discuss how these hierarchies affect people's perceptions of themselves and their choices in romantic partners.
The primary way in which societal hierarchies of desirability influence individuals' self-esteem is through internalization. The media, social networks, and cultural norms all play a role in shaping what is seen as attractive, desirable, or desirable. People learn to measure their worth by comparing themselves to these standards and may develop insecurities about their own qualities if they do not meet them.
Thinness has been heavily promoted as a desired quality for women, but only around 10% of women naturally fit into this category, leading many to feel inadequate. This may lead to low self-esteem, poor body image, and negative self-talk.
Another way in which societal hierarchies of desirability influence individuals' self-esteem is through external validation. If someone feels like they don't match up to the idealized version of society, they might seek approval from others to boost their self-worth. They might try to impress potential partners with material possessions or achievements, trying to convince them that they are valuable and desirable based on socially constructed ideals.
This often leads to shallow relationships built on false pretenses rather than genuine connection.
Societal hierarchies also influence individuals' partner selection because it sets certain criteria for what makes an ideal mate. Many factors go into choosing a partner, such as appearance, intelligence, personality traits, etc., but there is no one perfect formula for finding a soulmate. Societal hierarchies can create an unrealistic set of expectations that can cause people to overlook compatible partners who don't fit their "ideal" type.
Those who have internalized these values may be more likely to prioritize superficial attributes over genuine compatibility and ignore red flags in their partners, believing that they should settle for less than they truly desire.
To combat these issues, individuals must challenge the social narratives that promote these hierarchies and question why certain qualities are valued over others. By doing so, we can learn to accept ourselves for our unique characteristics and personalities and focus on building meaningful connections based on mutual respect and appreciation. It's important to acknowledge that everyone has flaws and imperfections and to find value in oneself beyond appearance or accomplishments.
Societal hierarchies of desirability can negatively impact individuals' self-esteem by promoting unrealistic standards and creating a sense of inadequacy. They can also shape partner selection by setting unattainable expectations and leading to unsatisfying relationships. To counteract this, we must recognize that there is no single standard of attractiveness and that true happiness comes from within.
How do societal hierarchies of desirability influence individuals' self-esteem and partner selection?
Several studies have shown that societal hierarchies of desirability play an important role in influencing individuals' self-esteem and partner selection. People often feel more confident about themselves when they are perceived as attractive and desired by others based on their physical appearance, status, wealth, or other factors. This can lead them to choose partners who fit into these societally defined categories, leading to discrimination and unequal power dynamics within relationships.