Posted on 05/02/2005 9:39:54 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Key points • Study finds parents discriminate between children based on 'attractiveness' • Canadian study showed parents more likely to neglect 'unattractive' children • Attractiveness described in terms of facial symmetry, cleanliness and attire
Key quote "Most parents will react to this with shock and dismay. They’ll say ‘I love my kids and I don’t discriminate on the basis of attractiveness.’ The point of our research is that people do" - Dr Andrew Harrell, University of Alberta, Canada
Story in full GOOD-looking children get more attention from their parents than less attractive ones, new research has claimed.
The study by scientists from the University of Alberta in Canada watched parents shopping in supermarkets with children. It found that unattractive children were allowed to wander further and more often from parents than their more attractive siblings, and also revealed that unattractive children were less likely to be strapped into the trolley.
The research team, led by Dr Andrew Harrell, studied more than 400 families with children aged between two and five in 14 shops. Volunteers graded each child independently on a scale of one to ten for attractiveness.
Only 1.2 per cent of the least attractive children were buckled into trolleys compared with 13.3 per cent of the most attractive.
Dr Harrell, a father of five and grandfather of three, said: "Attractiveness as a predictor of behaviour, especially of parenting behaviour, has been around for a long time.
"Most parents will react to this with shock and dismay. They’ll say ‘I love my kids and I don’t discriminate on the basis of attractiveness.’ The point of our research is that people do.
"We can now make links between child abuse and attractiveness and social worth. We were not expecting the influence of attractiveness to be so strong. We know that children who are more attractive get more attention at school."
A spokesman for the research team explained their criteria for attractiveness: "The researchers were instructed to ignore bad haircuts and dirty clothes and look for symmetry of the face.
"It was an observational exercise to see if this is a phenomenon. We are trying to create an awareness in parents, even if they might not admit it.
"The parents had no idea they were being watched. Basically the numbers show that ugly kids are at greater risk and are more vulnerable."
Dr Harrell was led to the research through his work on shopping-trolley safety - a subject about which he has published 13 articles.
Dr Nadja Reissland, Professor of Child Development at Aberdeen University, said: "I would say that if you find something more attractive you are likely to favour it. Babies are just as prejudiced. Texan research from the 1990s has shown that one-year-old children will play with an attractive doll for longer than an unattractive one.
"It is difficult to say whether this is a Darwinian reaction or if it is something learned."
Dr Reissland said that babies and children who are considered pretty by cultural norms have indistinct features.
"In fact, what we call attractive is an average face.
"People who are more attractive may have it easier but it could be more difficult for them if they are constantly in demand.
"On the other hand, children who are ignored may fight harder for attention and therefore be more likely to succeed. In the end I am sure it comes out equally."
Famed models such Jodie Kidd and Erin O’Connor often complain of having been thought ugly at school. Dr Reissland concurs with the popular adage that ugly ducklings become beautiful adults.
"Supermodels have a face which is something special, with different features. As children they may be thought of as unattractive, but as they become older it becomes an advantage."
maybe that explains why michael moore is always desperate for attention.
Its Bush's Fault.
The other thing I seem to remember from school days, was that "cute" kids were generally less intelligent and NEEDED more attention.
I was so ugly as a kid my old man used to tie a pork chop around my neck just to get the dog to play with me.
(with thanks to Rodney Dangerfield)
Rodney Dangerfield used to say that his family was so ugly that for their photo album they kept the negatives and threw the pictures away. Of course, he got no respect, I tell you -- no respect at all.
Hah!! We both thought of Rodney. Reflex action.
Shoot, that explains everything! My mom used to make me ride point for my sisters. "You go take the candy from the stranger. If you survive, we'll let them go next. You pet the drooling dog. You try the funny-tasting meat. You cross the swaying bridge. What's that? You want to go camping with the guys from that new cult that just moved in? The ones that buy all the raw meat and candles? Go right ahead!! Have fun!!"
Geez.
Perhaps ugliness is hereditary and ugly parents give less attention to their children.
Or maybe parents figure ugly children are less likely to be abducted and give them more leeway.
"I was so ugly when I was born, the doctor slapped my mother."
(also thanks to Rodney Dangerfield)
That is the best one!
You are making me die laughing!
Is this news to us ugly people?
And what makes them think we ever wanted attention? We do fine with what our beautiful peers all lacked - brain cells.
Some more from the fabulous Rodney (no respect) Dangerfield:
I was so ugly, my mother used to feed me with a slingshot!
My mother had morning sickness after I was born.
My mother never breast fed me. She told me that she only liked me as a friend.
My father carries around the picture of the kid who came with his wallet.
When I played in the sandbox the cat kept covering me up.
I could tell that my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio.
One year they wanted to make me poster boy... for birth control.
I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent back a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof.
When my old man wanted sex, my mother would show him a picture of me.
When I was a kid I got no respect. The time I was kidnapped, and the kidnappers sent my parents a note they said, "We want five thousand dollars or you'll see your kid again."
I know. Made me feel good about myself. Makes you wonder though, how the attarctive people do in the real world. According to experts the more attractive people get the better jobs and better pay.
BREAKING!
Fish Swim! Birds Fly! Elephants have trunks! Blondes get more attention!
film at eleven.
Very good! LOL!
Of course "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and the scientists who conducted this study had to make a subjective decision if a child was "attractive" or "ugly".
Parents have to hold the cute but stupid ones close by.
Feminism was invented to open the workforce to ugly women. It is one of Rush's undeniable truths of life.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.