Pretty privileges or beauty bias are the used terms for conventionally attractive people receiving benefits because of their looks. The term “pretty privilege” has been floating around on social media platforms, and it has existed for a long time in the past too. Not only holding the door open or giving compliments to someone having this privilege but even receiving more credits at work or being promoted because of that.
It is true that life is far from equal and the list of evidence for that is endless, pretty privilege is not a surprise for anyone but it is as toxic as it sounds. „While plenty of people embrace its existence and do what they can to break such an unfair system down, others argue that such a concept doesn’t exist at all. „
Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Bishop explained: „Pretty privilege refers to the advantages that those who conform to the standards of attractiveness within their culture receive."
Being aware of its existence is one thing. But understanding why this phenomenon happens is another way of looking. „According to Briggs, it may be because those with pretty privilege tend to be more confident. Economically it's been shown that ‘beautiful’ people are no more productive or creative than us mere mortals, but they do possess bucket loads of confidence in their own skills, and employers [for example] find self-confidence a very attractive trait.”
The aspect of someone is the first thing we notice so I think that this is the reason we accord it so much importance. But there are so many more important traits that matter besides looks that create one’s personality.
According to research, when attractive women gain from pretty privilege, they may face anger and a lack of empathy because of their advantages, which can lead to a decline in their mental health. This phenomenon is known as cognitive dissonance or mental conflict. Even while they might be held in high regard, others may depreciate them for the same reasons.
Due to pressure to "keep up appearances" or to continue getting affirmation from beauty, pretty privilege can also result in an unhealthy relationship with your body putting too much effort into maintaining the current standards of beauty and trying to fit in. The lack of this privilege also can lead to some real problems such as the feeling of not fitting in, social exclusion, comparison and frustration.
In conclusion, the psychology of pretty privilege reveals the complex way in which human perception, biases, and social dynamics interact. We can work towards achieving a more equitable society that values the true self of a person by studying the cognitive mechanisms that drive these phenomena.
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