Psychologists identify which visual cues of women are considered sexually random 16:57

Psychologists from the University of California have determined which visual stereotypes of women are considered random. Study published In Sex Roles magazine.

The study’s authors identify four stereotypical images of female sexuality: abstinence and self-possessed virgins, sexually experienced and self-controlled women, sexually active, sexually experienced and uncontrollable “whores”, and losers who try to restrain themselves but cannot control themselves.

According to the stereotypical content model accepted in sociology, group stereotypes and interpersonal impressions are formed in two dimensions: sincerity – the intention to harm a person or, conversely, to help and competence – the ability to act according to one’s intentions. The absence of a perceived threat leads to a more sincere assessment of a person, and the characteristic symbols of high status (especially those that speak of a good education or high earnings) – more competent.

To find out what details in the image of women associated them with one category or another, the researchers asked 175 volunteers aged 19-64 to choose from a suggested collection of photographs of women that corresponded to those types according to them. All the photos contained specific signs that could be used to draw conclusions about intimacy and competence – appearance, posture, dress, setting, race, etc.

The analysis showed that images of experienced women perceived as virgins contained more markers of visual competence than images of “whores” and losers. At the same time, experienced women seem more confident than virgins. Images of “whores” also had less visual signs of sincerity than photographs of virgins and losers.

“The results suggest that while sexually active young women seem to be better treated, young women who are forced to abstain from sex may be the subject of ridicule,” the authors wrote.