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Beauty in the eyes of the beholder

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  • Lindsay, Kellie B.
  • Smith, Ben O.
  • White, Dustin R.

Abstract

We investigate the unconscious influence of beauty on perceptions of commonly-sought employee traits. To do this, we develop a set of photos rated for “societal attractiveness” and use eye-tracking technology to measure participants' pupil sizes while they rate the same set of photos on perceived levels of competence, friendliness, and trustworthiness. We find that the same autonomic response to attractiveness occurs even when participants are asked to rate individuals on traits other than attractiveness. Each additional millimeter of pupil dilation results in about a seven percentage point increase in the perception of rated characteristics. Our data also suggest that societal and personal perceptions of beauty are substitutes rather than complements. These findings contribute to our understanding of the unconscious biases underlying the beauty premium and highlight the importance of considering both personal and societal perceptions of beauty in evaluating individuals. These results are important for labor market outcomes and suggest the need for further research on the unconscious role of beauty in shaping economic opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Lindsay, Kellie B. & Smith, Ben O. & White, Dustin R., 2024. "Beauty in the eyes of the beholder," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 1-10.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:217:y:2024:i:c:p:1-10
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2023.10.035
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Experimental economic methods; Labor economics; Wage discrimination; Bias;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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