In the sexualised cultures of liberal, modern societies; people who possess an above-average amount of erotic capital find it easier to make friends, get jobs, get married, and tend to earn on average 15 per cent more; says Dr Catherine Hakim of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Erotic capital is an implicit but powerful commodity that often counts just as much, if not more than educational qualifications, in the labour market, politics, media or the arts. Erotic capital is a combination of physical and social attractiveness, comprising six elements and a seventh in countries where fertility is valued, namely:
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder is the saying, but photogenic features such as large eyes and mouths, sculpted faces, symmetry and skin-tone are treasured contributing factors to attractiveness.
Sexual attractiveness is largely about bodily feature; but also personality, style and the way of being in the world—the way someone moves, talks and behaves.
Social attractiveness includes grace, charm, social skills and flirting – it is he ability to make others feel at ease and happy, wanting to know you and, possibly, desire you.
Liveliness is about energy—a mixture of physical fitness, social interaction and good humour—often those who are 'the life and soul of the party'.
Presentation includes appropriate dress code, hair styling, wearing make-up and/or perfume and jewellery. Those skilled at these accomplishments are often more attractive.
Sexuality includes sexual competence, energy, erotic imagination, playfulness and all the things that constitute a sexually satisfying partner. Sexuality is not the same thing as having a strong libido, although those that do are more likely to acquire the appropriate qualities through experience. Sexuality is the only one of the six which mostly applies in private, but includes aggresive flirtation.
The text is a shortened and modified version what has been posted on Couture Trash, which I found as result of a search regarding the content of an articleworth reading, by Nikiwe Bikitsha titled "I love you, but I love your bank balance more", p. 44, in the Mail & Guardian, 21 – 27 January 2011. Download Love your bank balance more