Physical Attractiveness, Halo Effects, and Social Joining

Dados Bibliográficos

ID10764975
AutoresCarl L Palmer (0000-0002-8408-2749, Illinois State University, autor correspondente), Rolfe Peterson (Susquehanna University), Rolfe Daus Peterson (Susquehanna University)
Ano2021
Volume102
Fascículo1
Páginas552-566
Data de publicação2021-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSocial Science Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0038-4941 • E-ISSN: 1540-6237
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/ssqu.12892
OpenAlexW3108841972
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas5
Referências citadas52

Objective: Scholarship in psychology on halo effects demonstrates the powerful effects attractiveness has on social interactions. Here, we consider the influence of physical attractiveness on the development of social capital through social joining. With the unavoidable nature of attractiveness biases, we argue that more physically attractive individuals should be increasingly likely to join social organizations, which have been shown to be important parts of broader social engagement and the growth of social capital. Methods: Utilizing the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study and an original survey experiment, we find that individuals who are rated as more attractive are consistently more likely to participate in organizations, particularly early in adult life. These effects persist when controlling for socioeconomic variables like income and education. Results: Our experimental results bolster these findings, showing that more attractive individuals are more likely to be invited to join both organizations and informal gatherings. Conclusions: These findings suggest a further mechanism through which the development of social capital differs between individuals in society

Attractiveness · Demographic economics · Economic growth · Economics · Physical attractiveness · Population · Scholarship · Social capital · Social mobility · Social science · Socioeconomic status · Sociology · Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification · Demography · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology