Attraction and Conformity

Darrell's avatar

Do you find people who conform sexier than people who are nonconformist, or is it the other way around? We know that some personality types like to play by the rules and are more likely to march in step than others. Does that affect their attractiveness?

A study out of Australia has sought to confirm or deny conventional wisdom about sex appeal and conformity. That conventional wisdom held that women preferred rebels whereas men prefer conformist women. This small study suggests conventional wisdom had it wrong. Not only did women prefer “rebels” when it came to conforming, men also preferred women who marched to the beat of their own drummer. Interestingly, it also seems that women generally overestimated the extent to which men preferred womenwho were conformist.

Let’s face it. Who doesn’t find a person of either sex who is bit more daring and adventurous interesting? Consider the sex symbols society raises to prominence. Many have an aura of danger, eccentricity or power, and display at least some disregard for convention. Name any major celebrity.

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That said, what people find sexy is an individual and sometimes a complex thing. So, rather than declaring one personality type “sexier” than another, the useful take away from the research might be that any type can come across as a little more appealing. All they have to do is give off a bit of a rebel vibe.

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INFJ avatar
It depends on what you think is conforming. I value people with high morality (which may look as conforming, not going against the rules) but only if they really want it. These people would be willing to rebel to defend their values. I think we are the most attractive when we are coherent and authentic.
A grayscale avatar for an anonymous user
Conformity would be more important within people with a xSxx dominant? Hence why i am really annoyed by other xNxx, and attracted to the others?conformity is sexy i guess. But is it only possible for it to work? My head just feels like it's about to explode everyday, maybe i need something stable
INFJ avatar
Which ideas people hold to the definition of rebellion and conformity plays a huge role in this judgement. For younger individuals I feel rebellion is based around action and behavior. As we begin to age and experience I feel rebellion is more free-speaking and mental perspectives.
INTP avatar
Nice article. It would be good to put up which types are the most rebellious naturally....