Are preferences for legs length universal? Data from a semi-nomadic Himba population from Namibia

J Soc Psychol. 2012 May-Jun;152(3):370-8. doi: 10.1080/00224545.2011.609845.

Abstract

Leg-to-body ratio (LBR) is one of the morphological traits that influences a person's attractiveness. To date, studies confirming that hypothesis have been conducted mainly in Western cultures. They have shown that the average or slightly higher-than-the-average LBR is perceived to be attractive in women. In the case of men, results were more ambiguous; however generally shorter or similar LBRs compared to females were attractive. Here, data on LBR preferences of a traditional, semi-nomad ethnic group (i.e., the Himba of northern Namibia, n = 81) are reported. Also in Himba people LBR influences a person's attractiveness. Similar to Western societies, extremely high and low LBRs were unattractive. However, contrary to previous findings, Himba preferred women of relatively low LBR and men of relatively high LBR.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Beauty*
  • Body Height*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Form Perception*
  • Humans
  • Leg*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Namibia / ethnology
  • Psychological Tests
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Perception*
  • Transients and Migrants / psychology
  • Young Adult