The Daily Stat: In Recessions, Women Seek to Become More Attractive

 

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser.

August 14, 2013 In Recessions, Women Seek to Become More Attractive Women who had read a vivid article describing growing unemployment and increasing scarcity showed a stronger desire (6.19 on a 7-point scale) to purchase lipstick, form-fitting jeans, and form-fitting black dresses, in comparison with women who had read a neutral article (4.97 on the same scale), says a team led by Sarah E. Hill of Texas Christian University. In tough economic times, women appear to increase their attractiveness as a way of finding mates with financial resources. Recession fears prompted no such desire among men to enhance their attractiveness, the researchers say. SOURCE: Boosting Beauty in an Economic Decline: Mating, Spending, and the Lipstick Effect

PREVIOUS STATS Moviegoers May Be Losing Interest in 3-D Car Density on China's Roads Rivals That of Los Angeles Don't Blame Corporations; Blame Their Disappearance How Quirky Startup Names Became an Internet Aesthetic Chewing Gum Helps You Sustain Vigilance in a Long Task Counting Down Makes Time Pass More Quickly

BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials | HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set | HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations | HBR Guide to Better Business Writing | HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done

FEATURED PRODUCT The First 90 Days App for iPhone and Android MAKE YOUR NEXT CAREER TRANSITION A SUCCESS. Download The First 90 Days App today to help you stay ahead of the game. Download on the App Store » Download on Google Play »

FEATURED PRODUCT Communicating for Success Collection Special Collections Nearly every other management skill depends on your ability to communicate effectively—formally or informally, in person or in writing. And that makes this collection a must for every manager's bookshelf. This specially priced 7-volume collection will help you: Make presentations that change minds and inspire action Create and manage meeting agendas for maximum efficiency Guide employees with effective feedback Use nonverbal communication to reinforce your message Buy It Now

ADVERTISEMENT

HBR.ORG | THE MAGAZINE | BLOGS | BOOKS | CASES | STORE | SUBSCRIBE TO HBR UNSUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS PRIVACY POLICY | CONTACT Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing 60 Harvard Way Boston, MA 02163 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-545-7685 (US/Canada) 1-617-783-7600 (outside the U.S. and Canada)