order primates such as the gorilla and orangutan
where the sexual dimorphism is such that the
males are twice the size of the females (Fedigan,
1992). The second criterion can also be attributed
directly to our non-human primate ancestors; fe-
males are most interested in an alpha male
(Cashdan, 1997). Today, that can mean simply
that he is the leader of his social group or has a
dominant quality. This is important to females be-
cause she and her offspring are protected by his
status. The third criterion is that he be able to pro-
vide for her and her offspring (Cashdan, 1997). In
today's Western culture, this is most accurately
translated into contributing monetarily to the fam-
ily's wealth. The fourth criterion is that he is
smarter than she by a small degree, and the fifth
is that he be physically attractive to her
(Cashdan, 1997). There are many subconscious
biological cues in a man's appearance that his
mate interprets to determine the likely genetic
outcome of their children because it is an innate
desire to have healthy children.
The criteria that human males seek in a
mate, at the basic level, are similarly linked to the
innate desire to procreate. The list of criteria for
men is smaller because they seek mates who ap-
pear to have the potential for bearing offspring
(Jones, 1996). Men look for women who possess
hourglass figures since that shape is created post
puberty and diminishes post menopause (Jones,
1996). A woman who has large eyes and red lips
appears more healthy and youthful (Jones, 1996).
Thus, the emphasis on producing that effect
through the use of modern make-up is seen in
our society. A man also estimates the female's
level of health through her appearance which is
evident in light skin, long hair, and intact dentition
(Jones, 1996). All of those markers were more
significant to early humans who did not cut their
hair, groom themselves regularly, or have the
benefit of modern dental care. These cultural
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