What a man wants

What makes an ideal mate? In chapter 5 of Research Stories for Introductory Psychology, the emphasis of female figure in mate-choosing is investigated. Using evolutionary psychology, many scientists have researched the human mating strategy. The ultimate goal for all humans is the passing on of genes. However, there are different traits that increase attractiveness of a man to a woman that can be explained scientifically, not just socially. The waist to hip ratio (WHR) of women is thought to be a big factor when a male is determining his mate; it has historical roots as a dimension of beauty (47). In Victorian society, women used to wear corsets to make their waists smaller, bust bigger and hips bigger. Having a curvy figure sends subliminal messages to a man that the woman is fertile and capable of healthy childbearing and nurturing her offspring. Evolutionary psychology leads us to believe both sexes subconsciously desire mates who will enhance their own opportunities to reprod...