Cultural Psych. Ch. 9 pg. 339-367

Question 0

Cultural variability in body weight

Answer 0

There is much cultural variation in the kinds of bodies that are viewed as most attractive. Westerners used to view curvy bodied as most attractive but now thin is in. Africans also prefer fat bodies over thin ones. The body type that is the hardest to achieve from a cultures economic standpoint is the most desired.

Question 1

Three universal elements of physical attractiveness

Answer 1

1. Skin that is free from blemishes, blotches, sores, and rashes is viewed as more attractive than skin that is not. Healthy skin could be a useful indicator regarding presence of parasites or diseases.
2. Bilateral symmetry (right side of faces and bodies are identical to their left side). May be an indicator of developmental stability.
3. Attractive faces tend to be average. (Not bodies though). Facial features that are close to the average in size and and in configuration are perceived as more attractive. Those with these features are less likely to have genetic abnormalities than those with deviant features. We can also process the prototype quickly. (Biracial faces are perceived as the most attractive).

Question 2

Hip to waist ratio

Answer 2

Evolutionary psychologists argue the hip to waist ratio is universally important. Linked to the ability to bare offspring. Ideal ratio is .70- .80.

Question 3

Mere exposure effect

Answer 3

The more we are exposed to a stimulus the more we are attracted to it. This is true for our attraction to other people, foreign words, music, and a variety of inanimate stimuli. Attraction to frequently encountered stimuli appears to be due to the pleasant associations with easy to process stimuli. Cultural universal.

Question 4

Similarity attraction affect

Answer 4

People tend to be attracted to those who are most like themselves. We are more likely to be attracted to those who are similar in attitude, economic background, personality, religion, social background, and activities. Not universal.

Question 5

Benefits of physical attractiveness in different cultures

Answer 5

In western cultures there are many benefits for physically attractive people. Attractive election candidates receive three times as many votes as unattractive ones. More attractive MBAs earn more money. Attractive defendants in misdemeanor cases are given lighter sentences. More positive outcomes for than those who are less physically attractive. High relational cultures- lots of opportunities to seek new interactions, important to posses desirable characteristics. Low relational mobility cultures- more stable relationship networks, less important to posses attractive qualities.

Question 6

Romantic love (definition, cultural differences in prevalence)

Answer 6

Romantic love is an evolutionary adaption to ensure that children have adequate resources and protection. Romantic love is universal, but marriages being based on romantic love is not universal. Arranged marriages are common in many cultures.

Question 7

Arranged marriage (definition, ratings of marital satisfaction and love)

Answer 7

Marriages that have been arranged by families. Arranged marriages are often successful, studies find that arranged marriages are at least as happy as love marriages. Arranged marriages are puzzling to westerners because they go against our assumptions about love. Most arranged marriages become loving relationships. Study by Gupta and Singh, arranged marriages over time reported having the most love over love marriages who were married for the same amount of time.

Question 8

Relational mobility (definition and consequences of)

Answer 8

High relational mobility- relational ties are flexible enough and opportunities for new relationships are available enough that people feel they can find new relationships and not feel overly bound by their old relationships. Low relational mobility- perception that someone has few opportunities to form new relationships and their past relationships and their commitments and obligations to them continue to guide them.
High relational mobility
•People choose who will be ingroup members.
•Can avoid enemies.
•Found in individualistic cultures.
●Low relational mobility
•People aren’t able to choose ingroups or ingroup members.
•Enemies are likely to emerge from within.
•Found in collectivistic cultures.