Final answer:
A poor complexion is considered unattractive due to historical socio-economic associations and biological adaptations. In history, skin color often indicated social status or wealth, while biologically, it is an adaptation to environmental conditions. This idea has evolved, and modern perspectives on beauty challenge these traditional views.
Step-by-step explanation:
A poor complexion is often considered unattractive in many human societies due to a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and biological factors. Historically, skin complexion has been associated with socio-economic status. For example, during the 16th century and the era of Queen Elizabeth I, pale skin was associated with nobility and affluence, as tan skin was often an indication of outdoor labor and lower socio-economic status. In contrast, by the 1970s and 1980s in the United States, a tanned complexion was seen as a marker of wealth and leisure. These perceptions are deeply rooted in cultural practices and societal norms, where physical traits can be interpreted as signs of health, wealth, or social standing.
From a biological standpoint, factors such as skin pigmentation have evolved as adaptations to environments through directional selection. For instance, darker skin helps protect against the sun's ultraviolet radiation in sunny regions while lighter skin can be advantageous in sunlight-deprived areas for Vitamin D production. The theory of sexual selection also plays a role, where standards of beauty influence mate selection and can lead to changes in physical traits within a population over time.