How familiar are we with the concept of Pretty Privilege? It's common to think that individuals considered conventionally attractive—whether male or female—have an easier life than those who don't meet societal beauty standards. This perception is supported by evidence that beautiful people often receive better grades, have favorable job interview outcomes, enjoy increased opportunities, and grow up with greater self-esteem and confidence, as they frequently receive compliments about their looks. However, the implications of pretty privilege extend beyond mere superficial advantages. Often, it stems from internal biases and societal perceptions. This article explores the complexities of pretty privilege and its connections to longstanding issues of sexism and patriarchy, as well as its ongoing discussions in today's social media landscape.

How does Pretty Privilege work?

Pretty Privilege refers to the social advantages and benefits that individuals gain due to their attractiveness based on societal beauty standards. Research indicates that those deemed attractive often enjoy better opportunities and can sometimes avoid the repercussions faced by those who do not meet these beauty ideals. Although perceptions of "pretty" can vary across different cultures and individuals, common traits associated with attractiveness typically include being thin, white, able-bodied, and cisgender. Those who fit these criteria are more likely to experience the privileges that come with being labelled as pretty. Many young girls aspire to be recognized as pretty, and teenagers often struggle with issues related to their appearance, exacerbated by societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards.

This raises questions about whether attractive individuals ever tire of the compliments they receive on platforms like Instagram and whether being conventionally beautiful is always a positive experience. This emphasis arises from societal norms based on patriarchy and heterosexual ideals that prioritize women's physical beauty. Women who adhere to traditional beauty standards often experience rewards like increased popularity, improved marriage opportunities, and economic benefits. As a result, many women feel validated and empowered by compliments regarding their looks because of the advantages linked to being conventionally attractive. However, upon closer examination, these compliments can inadvertently reinforce gender inequality by overshadowing women's achievements.

Exposing the intersections between Pretty Privilege and sexism and patriarchy

Women frequently encounter judgment about their looks, largely influenced by the male gaze, which arises from patriarchal systems that objectify and sexualize women to maintain male dominance. This emphasis on physical appearance can result in self-objectification, where women become preoccupied with how others perceive their looks. According to objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts), this self-objectification reveals that women have absorbed the damaging societal notion that their worth is determined by their attractiveness to men. Even in casual conversations, women deemed "conventionally attractive" may find being labelled as pretty distressing, as it reduces them to their appearance and leads them to feel that their value is exclusively linked to their looks, causing them to feel like objects.

Research shows that positive feedback from a romantic partner plays a significant role in enhancing body satisfaction for women with low self-esteem (McLaren). Compliments about attractiveness are especially impactful when women feel desirable to someone who is romantically interested in them; otherwise, such praise tends to have little significance. Many women report that they appreciated compliments regarding their looks more during periods of insecurity. Initially, they sought these affirmations for the validation they provided, but as their body image improved, they grew more confident and less dependent on external approval. A study by Fea and Brannon found that positive remarks about appearance can alleviate distress and sadness in women, particularly those with high appearance anxiety. However, while such compliments may offer temporary relief from anxiety, they can also lead to increased body surveillance and dissatisfaction.

Compliments about appearance can strengthen societal beauty ideals, especially for women. When individuals receive positive remarks about their looks, they may feel they are conforming to societal norms, which can increase the pressure to uphold that appearance. This pressure may lead to a deeper internalization of these standards, heightening the risk of body dissatisfaction and the emergence of eating disorders (Thompson & Heinberg). The idea of "complimentary weightism" implies that some women might feel worse about themselves after receiving compliments, as these comments emphasize the external judgment of their bodies (Calogero).

This trend encourages women to dedicate time and resources to improving their looks, both financially and mentally. A notable analogy can be drawn: receiving compliments about one’s appearance, especially on social media platforms such as Instagram, can be akin to a drug. These compliments can be addictive, providing a rush of validation that enhances self-esteem. However, as their audience expands, so does the pressure to fulfil expectations and consistently receive such praise. Just as substance users build a tolerance, women might come to require more compliments to feel validated.

This scenario presents a paradox: although compliments can be flattering, the stress of upholding physical attractiveness can be draining. This notion is still a hypothesis that has not been scientifically investigated. The psychological aspects of remarks about appearance are fascinating but seldom addressed. One possible reason is that those who are conventionally attractive may view their looks as an advantage and be hesitant to risk it. They might perceive grievances about these "first-world problems" as insignificant since they would probably never choose to be seen as unattractive. Furthermore, voicing dissatisfaction with compliments could provoke negative reactions.

Conclusion

Although recognition is valued, compliments focused solely on appearance can come across as superficial and degrading, offering only temporary satisfaction. While such praise, especially from men to women, may seem harmless and polite, it often reveals underlying patriarchal concerns that objectify women. This perspective diminishes the concept of Pretty Privilege as merely a way of undermining women's capabilities, suggesting that attractiveness is the primary means to succeed.

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