lampog
Iron
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Parasite-Stress Theory
What is it and how does it relate to attraction?
Parasite Stress Theory, or pathogen stress theory is a theory of human evolution proposing that parasites and diseases encountered by a species shape the development of species values and qualities.
The differences in how parasites and diseases stress people's development is what leads to differences in their biological mate value and mate preferences.
Several hypotheses have attempted to explain how parasites load influences female mate choice as certain traits are thought to be costly and the expression of such traits may be indicative of genetic quality.
How Does This Relate Back To Physical Attraction?
According to the Hamilton-Zuk hypothesis, female mate choice is based on the extent to which male secondary sexual characteristics are expressed (Adam's Apple Prominence, Facial Hair, Larger Skull Size, Muscle Mass, Body Oder, Broad Shoulders, etc) as these are thought to be indicative of a heritable resistance to pathogens.
A meta analysis reviewed studies exploring the magnitude of the relationship between expression of secondary sexual characteristics and parasite intensity, as well as level of host immune functioning. Consistent with the hypothesis proposed by Hamilton and Zuk. The metal analysis revealed that males with the fewest parasites and/or the strongest immune systems typically had the most extravagent secondary sexual characteristics. This means men who have encountered more parasites - or are naturally less capable of dealing with parasites - are less desirable to females due to a lower genetic quality for the potential offspring
https://www.researchgate.net/public...ism_Host_Immune_Function_and_Sexual_Selection
Testosterone is responsible for male sexual characteristics while also suppressing the immune system by acting as a immunomodulator. It therefore proposes that these traits are honest signals of male quality because only males with 'good genes' should be able to fully express them without being vulnerable to parasite attack. Males will therefore, demonstrate their high genetic quality by developing more attractive honest signals in substitute for their immune system's strength. These honesty signals require testosterone, which simultaneously suppresses the immune system.
Example: The peacock's large tail could be a cost: The tail requires energy as it weighs the male down during flight. Even though it is a cost, it is still selected for by female specimen
Summary
Dimorphic features signal that you have high resistance to parasites due to the fact that
1. Testosterone suppresses the immune system while simultaneously being responsible for male sexual characteristics
2. Parasites fuck with the development of male sexual characteristics as well as overall development.
Why Are Pretty Boys Considered Attractive Then?
Using this logic, the more dimorphic a man is, the more universally attractive he would be to females of that species. But it doesn't play out like that in reality. Why?
Take a look at these faces. Which side would you consider more attractive?
According to the parasite stress theory, the right side should be universally more attractive. But people will argue "Appeal Over PSL" and call the the right side "Orge's". Young women will also tend to pick the left side as well.
Why Is This The Case?
I believe this is because of the modern environment. I think 3 major factors contribute to this.
1. Hormones
Nowadays, there are tons of endocrine disrupters, birth control, and other crap that affect women's hormones and therefore, selection.
2. Modern Medicine
The decades of modern medical advancements have softened women's selection. They no longer need to select for more resistant genes, leading to a difference in standards. Instead of going for a more dimorphic man, they can go for the cute prettyboys.
3. Ideology
Most women today are against masculinity. They want little soyboy cucks who do whatever they want as their boyfriends as opposed to men who will put them in there place.
Thanks for reading. Btw, im not saying that dimorphism is the only determinant of facial attractiveness, this is just to put it into perspective and i wanted to give my take on the theory.
What is it and how does it relate to attraction?
Parasite Stress Theory, or pathogen stress theory is a theory of human evolution proposing that parasites and diseases encountered by a species shape the development of species values and qualities.
The differences in how parasites and diseases stress people's development is what leads to differences in their biological mate value and mate preferences.
Several hypotheses have attempted to explain how parasites load influences female mate choice as certain traits are thought to be costly and the expression of such traits may be indicative of genetic quality.
How Does This Relate Back To Physical Attraction?
According to the Hamilton-Zuk hypothesis, female mate choice is based on the extent to which male secondary sexual characteristics are expressed (Adam's Apple Prominence, Facial Hair, Larger Skull Size, Muscle Mass, Body Oder, Broad Shoulders, etc) as these are thought to be indicative of a heritable resistance to pathogens.
A meta analysis reviewed studies exploring the magnitude of the relationship between expression of secondary sexual characteristics and parasite intensity, as well as level of host immune functioning. Consistent with the hypothesis proposed by Hamilton and Zuk. The metal analysis revealed that males with the fewest parasites and/or the strongest immune systems typically had the most extravagent secondary sexual characteristics. This means men who have encountered more parasites - or are naturally less capable of dealing with parasites - are less desirable to females due to a lower genetic quality for the potential offspring
https://www.researchgate.net/public...ism_Host_Immune_Function_and_Sexual_Selection
Testosterone is responsible for male sexual characteristics while also suppressing the immune system by acting as a immunomodulator. It therefore proposes that these traits are honest signals of male quality because only males with 'good genes' should be able to fully express them without being vulnerable to parasite attack. Males will therefore, demonstrate their high genetic quality by developing more attractive honest signals in substitute for their immune system's strength. These honesty signals require testosterone, which simultaneously suppresses the immune system.
Example: The peacock's large tail could be a cost: The tail requires energy as it weighs the male down during flight. Even though it is a cost, it is still selected for by female specimen
Summary
Dimorphic features signal that you have high resistance to parasites due to the fact that
1. Testosterone suppresses the immune system while simultaneously being responsible for male sexual characteristics
2. Parasites fuck with the development of male sexual characteristics as well as overall development.
Why Are Pretty Boys Considered Attractive Then?
Using this logic, the more dimorphic a man is, the more universally attractive he would be to females of that species. But it doesn't play out like that in reality. Why?
Take a look at these faces. Which side would you consider more attractive?
According to the parasite stress theory, the right side should be universally more attractive. But people will argue "Appeal Over PSL" and call the the right side "Orge's". Young women will also tend to pick the left side as well.
Why Is This The Case?
I believe this is because of the modern environment. I think 3 major factors contribute to this.
1. Hormones
Nowadays, there are tons of endocrine disrupters, birth control, and other crap that affect women's hormones and therefore, selection.
2. Modern Medicine
The decades of modern medical advancements have softened women's selection. They no longer need to select for more resistant genes, leading to a difference in standards. Instead of going for a more dimorphic man, they can go for the cute prettyboys.
3. Ideology
Most women today are against masculinity. They want little soyboy cucks who do whatever they want as their boyfriends as opposed to men who will put them in there place.
Thanks for reading. Btw, im not saying that dimorphism is the only determinant of facial attractiveness, this is just to put it into perspective and i wanted to give my take on the theory.
