Mixed-Ethnicity Face Shape and Attractiveness in Humans

Abstract

Abstract. Many studies show agreement within and between populations and cultures for general judgments of facial attractiveness. Studies that have examined the attractiveness of specific traits have also highlighted cross-cultural differences for factors such as symmetry, averageness, and masculinity. One trait that should be preferred across cultures is heterozygosity. Indeed, several studies suggest that mixed ethnicity, in terms of appearing to possess a mixture of traits from different human population groups, may be found attractive, which could reflect preferences for heterozygosity. We examined preferences for manipulated face shape associated with different populations in both Europeans (Britain) and Africans (Guinea-Bissau). We found that mixed-ethnicity face shapes were more attractive than enhanced single-ethnicity face shape across both populations. These results are consistent with evolutionary theories suggesting individuals should prefer heterozygosity in partners because facial cues to mixed-ethnicity are likely to indicate diverse genes compared to cues that indicate a face belongs to a single particular culture or population.

Patterns ofMHC‐dependent mate selection in humans and nonhuman primates: a meta‐analysis

“…; Lewis ; Little et al . ). In addition, work using facial image manipulations demonstrated that cues to heterozygosity are themselves attractive independent of other accompanying indicators of heterosis (Lewis ; Little et al .…”

“…Facial attractiveness may be a particularly effective indicator of health and condition, and of individual heterozygosity (Roberts et al 2005b;Lie et al 2008). To illustrate, the faces of mixed-ethnicity individuals, who tend to be more heterozygous than average, have been shown to be more attractive than single-ethnicity faces across genders and cultures (Rhodes et al 2005;Lewis 2010;Little et al 2012). In addition, work using facial image manipulations demonstrated that cues to heterozygosity are themselves attractive independent of other accompanying indicators of heterosis (Lewis 2010;Little et al 2012).…”

“…To illustrate, the faces of mixed-ethnicity individuals, who tend to be more heterozygous than average, have been shown to be more attractive than single-ethnicity faces across genders and cultures (Rhodes et al 2005;Lewis 2010;Little et al 2012). In addition, work using facial image manipulations demonstrated that cues to heterozygosity are themselves attractive independent of other accompanying indicators of heterosis (Lewis 2010;Little et al 2012). How much MHC heterozygosity would make an individual attractive?…”

Fluctuating Asymmetry of Human Populations: A Review

“…It is a missed opportunity. An obvious suggestion would be to extend the research of Lewis [210] and Little et al [211], who reported that individuals of mixed-ethnicity are considered more attractive than those of relatively "pure" ethnicity. Is part of the attraction due to increased facial symmetry?…”

Commentary on the Oval Female Facial Shape—A Study in Beauty

“…This is not a refutation of heterozygosity and attractiveness. 13 There can be a national (France) or regional (East Asia) average that is not exactly the sameness of one's social group. Although we are at it, can we stop referring to all people of the area of the Earth formerly referred to as the Orient as Asian?…”