Definiowanie atrakcyjności – rola wyglądu i innych cech indywidualnych w doborze partnerskim w opiniach kobiet i mężczyzn
The Definition of Attractiveness – the Role of Appearance and Other Individual Characteristics in Partnership Selection in the Opinions of Women and Men

Author(s): Julita Czernecka
Subject(s): Sociology
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: love; intimate relationship; erotic love; close relationships; couple; attractiveness; appearance; personality
Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to present the results of the analysis of empirical research on the role of appearance and other individual characteristics in partner selection. Attractiveness is understood both from the prism of physical attractiveness and non-physical features that influence the reactions and behaviour of an individual. The theoretical starting point is the complexity and multidimensionality of social factors of the partner selection mechanism according to Matthijs Kalmijn’s qualifications. The analysis of the research was qualitative. It appeared that both men and women perceive attractiveness as a multidimensional feature, including a number of variables, not only the appearance itself, but also personality traits, the way of verbal and non-verbal communication, the sense of humour and others. On the basis of the analysis of the research participants’ statements, three scenario types of the course of the romantic relationships beginnings have been reconstructed in relation to the significance that the respondents gave to particular features of their partner. Especially in relation to the relationship between physical attractiveness and attractiveness in terms of other individual characteristics. The first type is based on a consensus in assessing the psycho physical characteristics of the potential partner (both appearance and other characteristics were considered attractive); the second type, where psychogenic characteristics (personality, etc.) were rated much higher than physical characteristics (beauty, appearance); and the third type of scenario, where physical characteristics were rated very high while psychogenic characteristics were low.

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