Have you noticed a change in your tastes in men? Science explains it. A study published in the journal
Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology sheds new light on changes in male preference. So here’s why you now like men who look like Pierce Brosnan rather than Zac Efron.
From muscular power to stability: the influence of fertility
To detail this phenomenon, researchers analyzed the preferences of 122 women, aged 19 to 70. They subjected these participants to photographs of men digitally modified to vary musculature, beards or facial features.
For younger women, physical strength remains a predominant selection criterion because, according to researchers, those who are still in the reproductive period naturally favor muscular bodies.
This preference is also explained by the fact that a good constitution communicates an ability to transmit genetic benefits to children while ensuring the protection of the family. Conversely, an overly full beard may be perceived by this group as a sign of excessive maturity. And therefore potentially less parental investment.
However, as women age, traits indicative of reproductive success become less important. And too strong muscles can even be perceived as intimidating.
Menopause, a biological turning point in male perception
One of the other major lessons from this research concerns the impact of hormonal status on seduction.
The results demonstrate that postmenopausal women no longer seek the same biological signals in a male partner.
Due to decreased reproductive functions, these women become less attentive to fertility-related characteristics. They prefer signs of social status and acquisition of resources.
This shift explains why older women find medium to full beards much more attractive than younger women. In this context, the beard is no longer a barrier but a particularly valued symbol of maturity and social dominance.
The “grandmother” hypothesis and the quest for stability
To give an overall meaning to these results, scientists evoke the grandmother hypothesis. According to this theory, as women age, they shift their attention away from finding a sire and toward providing stability and support for the family.
This need for authenticity and reliability seems to be confirmed by current trends in the dating market.
A recent survey reveals that seven in ten women now prefer a man with body hair (a beard or mustache) rather than a sculpted body, with the clean-shaven look officially deemed out of fashion.
In short, women today seek the confidence and mystery suggested by a beard, favoring authenticity over simple aesthetic perfection.