Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room. Attraction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can be influenced by a range of factors, including cultural and social factors. Personality, values, interests, and emotional connection all play a role in shaping our romantic and sexual preferences.
While there may be some evolutionary or biological basis to men’s attraction to buttocks (as we’ll explain), individual preferences can vary widely and are shaped by a number of factors and life experience. In short – attraction is in the eye of the beholder and body confidence whatever your shape is one of the most attractive traits!
Is the attraction Evolutionary?
Some suggest that men are genetically predisposed to liking big butts. According to the studies (more on these later) Men may be hardwired to be attracted to certain physical attributes that indicate fertility and reproductive health – and you guessed it – big glutes fall under that list.
Round or curvy buttocks, can signal to a man that a woman is healthy, well-nourished, well-kept, and capable of bearing healthy offspring (usually due to the width of the hips.
MTV asked an evolutionary scientist Gordon G. Gallup who said: “The reason narrow waists and broad hips are so prized — the reason males rate these as being attractive, even though they don’t have any insight into why they do — is twofold,” he said. “It means, if a woman has a narrow waist, she’s not pregnant. And if she has broad hips it means that the underlying skeletal morphology is probably such that she’d be able to have a relatively unencumbered childbirth.”
When it boils down, this phenomenon is simply natural selection and is what has kept the human race reproducing since the beginning of man! We’re chemically attracted to one another, we reproduce and the human race keeps on chugging on.
A sign of strength?
The glutes are the body’s largest muscle group and play a key role when performing a wide range of daily movements. Whether you’re walking to the shops, running for a bus or squatting in the gym, you’re engaging your glutes. Why is this important? Again – attraction. A strong and toned butt can indicate physical strength and fitness, which can be attractive qualities in a potential mate.
Cultural Factors?
Of course, cultural and societal factors also come into play when it comes to attraction. Barely a day goes by without the mainstream media displaying models with large derrieres and slim waists. We know – it’s not representative of real women and, after backlash from consumers and an attempt to educate the public on ‘body confidence’ there has been a tangible shift in the perception of that perfect body – which is way overdue.
However, this doesn’t negate the fact that media and popular culture have played a significant role in shaping our perception of beauty and desirability, and many people have been conditioned to view certain body types as more attractive than others. Think Kim K and Jennifer Lopez – and the attention their backsides got! Even Pippa Middleton couldn’t escape the incessant media obsession with butts!
Are there studies on men being attracted to big butts?
Yes, there have been several scientific studies on the topic of attraction to buttocks. Take a look at this study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior in 2010 which found that men were more likely to rate women with a curvier waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) as more attractive, which is a strong predictor of a rounder and more prominent buttocks (as we mentioned earlier).
The research suggests that men may be attracted to a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) that signifies a more prominent and perkier butt. This is because a WHR of around 0.7 is associated with optimal reproductive health and fertility in women, and may be viewed by men as an indicator of good genes and – you guessed it again – suitability as a mate.
Another study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2018 found that men rated images of women’s buttocks as more attractive when they had a higher degree of lumbar curvature, which is also associated with more pronounced buttocks. Basically, if you’re spine is slightly more curved, it can give the appearance of a large backside
Image from: Daily Mail.
Is it just men?
You may think that men’s seeming obsession with behinds is strictly a male-only trait. No, men aren’t the only ones who appreciate a great booty. Women, too, can appreciate the beauty and allure of a well-shaped derriere. Whilst Women have a separate and somewhat different set of psychological factors when it comes to mating preferences, a nice butt is definitely on many women’s lists!
Whether you’re a fan of the bootylicious look or not, remember that true beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and what matters most is how you feel about yourself.
Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room. Attraction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can be influenced by a range of factors, including cultural and social factors. Personality, values, interests, and emotional connection all play a role in shaping our romantic and sexual preferences.
While there may be some evolutionary or biological basis to men’s attraction to buttocks (as we’ll explain), individual preferences can vary widely and are shaped by a number of factors and life experience. In short – attraction is in the eye of the beholder and body confidence whatever your shape is one of the most attractive traits!
Is the attraction Evolutionary?
Some suggest that men are genetically predisposed to liking big butts. According to the studies (more on these later) Men may be hardwired to be attracted to certain physical attributes that indicate fertility and reproductive health – and you guessed it – big glutes fall under that list.
Round or curvy buttocks, can signal to a man that a woman is healthy, well-nourished, well-kept, and capable of bearing healthy offspring (usually due to the width of the hips.
MTV asked an evolutionary scientist Gordon G. Gallup who said: “The reason narrow waists and broad hips are so prized — the reason males rate these as being attractive, even though they don’t have any insight into why they do — is twofold,” he said. “It means, if a woman has a narrow waist, she’s not pregnant. And if she has broad hips it means that the underlying skeletal morphology is probably such that she’d be able to have a relatively unencumbered childbirth.”
When it boils down, this phenomenon is simply natural selection and is what has kept the human race reproducing since the beginning of man! We’re chemically attracted to one another, we reproduce and the human race keeps on chugging on.
A sign of strength?
The glutes are the body’s largest muscle group and play a key role when performing a wide range of daily movements. Whether you’re walking to the shops, running for a bus or squatting in the gym, you’re engaging your glutes. Why is this important? Again – attraction. A strong and toned butt can indicate physical strength and fitness, which can be attractive qualities in a potential mate.
Cultural Factors?
Of course, cultural and societal factors also come into play when it comes to attraction. Barely a day goes by without the mainstream media displaying models with large derrieres and slim waists. We know – it’s not representative of real women and, after backlash from consumers and an attempt to educate the public on ‘body confidence’ there has been a tangible shift in the perception of that perfect body – which is way overdue.
However, this doesn’t negate the fact that media and popular culture have played a significant role in shaping our perception of beauty and desirability, and many people have been conditioned to view certain body types as more attractive than others. Think Kim K and Jennifer Lopez – and the attention their backsides got! Even Pippa Middleton couldn’t escape the incessant media obsession with butts!
Are there studies on men being attracted to big butts?
Yes, there have been several scientific studies on the topic of attraction to buttocks. Take a look at this study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior in 2010 which found that men were more likely to rate women with a curvier waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) as more attractive, which is a strong predictor of a rounder and more prominent buttocks (as we mentioned earlier).
The research suggests that men may be attracted to a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) that signifies a more prominent and perkier butt. This is because a WHR of around 0.7 is associated with optimal reproductive health and fertility in women, and may be viewed by men as an indicator of good genes and – you guessed it again – suitability as a mate.
Another study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2018 found that men rated images of women’s buttocks as more attractive when they had a higher degree of lumbar curvature, which is also associated with more pronounced buttocks. Basically, if you’re spine is slightly more curved, it can give the appearance of a large backside
Image from: Daily Mail.
Is it just men?
You may think that men’s seeming obsession with behinds is strictly a male-only trait. No, men aren’t the only ones who appreciate a great booty. Women, too, can appreciate the beauty and allure of a well-shaped derriere. Whilst Women have a separate and somewhat different set of psychological factors when it comes to mating preferences, a nice butt is definitely on many women’s lists!
Whether you’re a fan of the bootylicious look or not, remember that true beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and what matters most is how you feel about yourself.