There’s a common assumption that attractive people are more successful than average-looking or unattractive individuals. Many wonder if there is any scientific proof behind this assumption. Or is it merely a myth?
Let’s dig a little deeper to get to the root of this question, shall we?
Daniel Hamermesh, an economist at the University of Texas in Austin, wrote a book titled, “Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful.” According to his research, attractive people earn, on average, about 3%-4% more than unattractive people. Beautiful people are also more likely to get hired when compared to less attractive applicants with similar skills and backgrounds. Studies have shown that CEOs of larger, more successful companies are often more attractive than those in smaller companies that pay more modest salaries.
Attractive People Fare Better in Job Interviews
There was an interesting study by researchers at Rice University and published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. According to the study, job applicants with facial blemishes, scars, or disfigurements were less likely to get the job than those without.
The interviewers, who were so distracted by the applicants’ blemishes and appearance, remembered less about their credentials and rated them as less qualified than the more attractive applicants. This means that facial features do matter when it comes to success in the workplace.
Source: ShutterstockInterviewers will likely remember your credentials if there are no physical flaws, facial blemishes, or any disfigurements to distract them.
Attractive People Earn More Money in Certain Industries
In customer-facing industries like sales, attractive people close more deals and make higher commissions than average-looking employees. Furthermore, many companies with male hiring managers are more likely to hire beautiful women. These attractive applicants command higher salaries for the same position, too.
Source: ShutterstockDid you know there are more attractive men and women working as flight attendants, bartenders, restaurant servers, and media professionals? This, in theory, locks out the less attractive ones from these fields altogether.
The Looks—Confidence Connection
As difficult as it is to accept, our society treats beautiful people better than they do average janes and joes.
People are more friendly to attractive indidividuals. In addition, they extend to them privileges that people won’t typically offer less attractive persons. Because of better treatment and privileges, beautiful people naturally develop self-confidence. This allows them to move through life a bit more freely. Furthermore, their confidence translates into the workplace, where they are more likely to be rated favorably by employers, leading to higher pay.
According to the American Psychological Society, attractive people are perceived to be more social, and warm. Many people also see them as mentally healthy, and dominant (in the case of men) than less attractive people. It is important to note that these perceptions start from childhood.
Source: ShutterstockPeople often consider charming children smarter, kinder, and more well-behaved than their peers. Teachers tend to favor these kids, single them out for more privileges and push them harder academically.
In turn, these attractive kids develop their social skills and confidence more than their average-looking classmates. By the time they reach adulthood, they already have a headstart in the workplace and in life.
Attractive Women are More Sought After as Romantic Partners
Attractive women, who have likely had a lifetime of advantages related to their beauty, are more likely to enjoy success in seeking out romantic partners. In a study by Chapman University, 92% of men surveyed listed “looks,” as one of the more important factors in long-term compatibility with a partner. Only 84% of the women studied responded the same. In addition, beautiful women are more likely to have higher earning partners, boosting both parties’ earning potential over time.
Attractive People Have Privileges that Plain Janes and Joes Don’t Experience
Did you know that attractive people are less likely to be convicted of crimes and more likely to receive lighter sentences when convicted? Another fun fact is that babies as young as a few days old prefer to gaze at pretty faces over plain ones. Furthermore, children are more likely to trust attractive adults than unattractive ones.
The question of whether attractive people are more successful has an easy answer. Yes. If they play their card right, they are.
They are also more likely to be treated well in life — starting in childhood. This sets them up for a life of success, leading to higher grades in school, better opportunities for internships, professional networking, and jobs. Additionally, they are also better able to enjoy romantic relationships, which can lead to professional success.
The Pretty Privilege is real in society, and attractive people will always have a leg up when it comes to navigating through the world.
