Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

The Evolutionary View of Body Image Perception Across Cultures: A Comparative Analysis Between China and the U.S.

Yihan LiuSt. Aidan’s College, Department of Psychology, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom* Cun YuSchool of Education, Communication & Society, Kings College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom Cheung Ning ChingThe ISF Academy ChuenHo ZhangBASIS International Park Lane Harbour

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This literature review explores the impact of evolutionary factors on body image perceptions across different cultures, focusing specifically on the comparative analysis between Chinese and American contexts. It examines the debate between evolutionary adaptations and cultural evolution byproducts in shaping body image ideals. Drawing on key studies, the review highlights the role of evolutionary psychology in explaining universal beauty cues, such as waist-to-hip ratio and facial symmetry, and how these traits influence mating preferences across cultures. It also discusses the influence of intrasexual competition on body image concerns, particularly the drive for thinness among women and height competition among men. Additionally, the review addresses the cultural evolution of body image preferences in China and the United States, tracing historical shifts and current trends influenced by media, social norms, and gender roles. Finally, the review identifies gaps in the existing literature, particularly the need for more research on male intrasexual competition and cross-cultural comparisons of body image preferences, and outlines a proposed study to further investigate these dynamics.

Keywords: Evolutionary psychology; body image perceptions; intrasexual competition; cultural evolution
Published: March 13, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2024.21481
Volume: CHR Vol.55
pp. 116-123
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