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In a species that reproduces sexually, sexual attraction is an attraction to other members of the same species for sexual or erotic activity. This type of attraction often occurs amongst individuals of a sexually-reproducing species, although in many species it serves no immediate reproductive goal – indeed, some sexual behavior among primates is undertaken as a social activity. Certain aspects of what is sexually attractive to humans may differ amongst particular cultures or regions. Influencing factors may be determined more locally among sub-cultures or simply by the preferences of the individual. These preferences come about as a result of a complex variety of genetic, psychological, and cultural factors. The sexual attraction of one person to another depends on both people.

Human sexual attractiveness

See also: Physical attractiveness

Much of human sexual attractiveness is governed by physical attractiveness. This involves the impact one's appearance has on the senses, especially in the beginning of a relationship:

• Visual perception (how the other looks and acts);
• Olfaction (how the other smells, naturally or artificially; the wrong smell may be repellent);
• Audition (how the other's voice and/or movements sound).

Sexual attraction in animals

See also: Mating system

As with other animals, pheromones may also enter into the picture, though less significantly. Theoretically, the "wrong" pheromone may cause someone to be disliked, even when they would otherwise appear attractive. Frequently a pleasant smelling perfume is used to encourage the member of the opposite sex to more deeply inhale the air surrounding its wearer^{[citation needed]}, increasing the probability that the pheromones from the individual will also be inhaled. The importance of pheromones in human relationships is probably limited and is widely disputed,^[1] although it appears to have some scientific basis.^[2]

Other aspects

Many people exhibit high levels of sexual fetishism, and are sexually stimulated by other stimuli not normally associated with sexual arousal. The degree to which such fetishism exists or has existed in different cultures is controversial.

See also

• Erotic capital
• Human height
• Human physical appearance
• Interpersonal attraction
• Lookism
• Physical attractiveness
• Semiotics of Ideal Beauty
• Sexual arousal
• Sex in advertising
• Sexual dimorphism
• Sexual selection
• Sex symbol

References

1. ^ Will pheromones make you irresistible to the opposite sex?. The Straight Dope. Retrieved on November 30, 2006.
2. ^ First Evidence of a Human Response to Pheromones. ScientificAmerican.com. Retrieved on November 30, 2006.

• 3. On pecularities of Russian sex appeal, see Emil Draitser, Making War, Not Love: Gender and Sexuality in Russian Humor. (New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000.), pp. 13-32. ISBN 0312221290

Notes

• Menstrual cycle, trait estrogen level, and masculinity preferences in the human voice

External links

• Sexual Attraction Among Humans
• FaceResearch – Scientific research and online studies on the role of faces in sexual attraction
• Reunions Set Off Sex Urges, Article on sexual attraction among birth relatives sparked by reunion.
• Genetic sexual attraction, News report in the Guardian on persons who have had sexual relationships with or sexually attracted to relatives after reunion.
• www.lookism.info deconstruction of attraction and beauty standards