Final answer:
Attraction has a biological basis, with universal traits like symmetry and certain body proportions being widely attractive. Cultural influences also play a role in shaping what is considered attractive, as seen in the historical preference for small feet in China. Genetic and biological factors contribute to physical and behavioral traits that affect attraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychologists argue that attraction may have a biological basis, and evidence for this can be seen in universally attractive features. For women, these include large eyes, high cheekbones, a narrow jaw line, and a waist-to-hip ratio that signifies fertility. For men, traits like being tall, having broad shoulders, and a narrow waist are generally preferred. Additionally, high levels of facial and body symmetry are universally considered more attractive. Beyond physical traits, social traits like warmth and affection in females, and achievement and leadership qualities in males, are attractive.
While these preferences can be universal, they are also culturally influenced. Sexual selection is a key aspect of evolutionary psychology, influencing physical characteristics across cultures over time. An example can be seen in historical China, where women with small feet were preferred, influencing the average height and foot size of the population over generations. This illustrates how sexual preferences can shape phenotypes within a population.
Pyschological, genetic, and biological factors contribute to attraction. Genes affect not only physical but also behavioral characteristics and are linked with personality traits, sexual orientation, and psychological disorders. This biological framework implies that certain aspects of attraction are innate, stemming from our genetic makeup and evolutionary history.