Sexual attraction
211430
226140320
2008-07-17T00:19:44Z
Aldrich Hanssen
7104265
/* See also */ * [[Attraction trigger]]
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<!----This article is specifically about nonphysical attraction. If you would like to contribute to aspects of human attraction that are physical and visual, please use [[physical attractiveness]].--------->
{{redirect|Sexy}}
In a [[species]] that [[reproduction|reproduces]] [[sexual reproduction|sexually]], '''sexual attraction''' is an [[attraction]], usually, to other members of the same species for sexual or erotic activity. This type of attraction often occurs amongst individuals of a sexually-reproducing species, although in many species it serves no immediate reproductive goal – indeed, some sexual behavior among primates is undertaken as a social activity.
Certain aspects of what is sexually attractive to humans may differ amongst particular cultures or regions. Influencing factors may be determined more locally among sub-cultures, across [[sexual field]]s, or simply by the preferences of the individual. These preferences come about as a result of a complex variety of genetic, psychological, and cultural factors. The [[sexual]] attraction of one person to another depends on both people.
== Human sexual attractiveness ==
{{See also|Physical attractiveness}}
Much of human sexual attractiveness is governed by [[physical attractiveness]]. This involves the impact one's appearance has on the [[sense]]s, especially in the beginning of a relationship:
* [[Visual perception]] (how the other looks and acts);
* [[Olfaction]] (how the other smells, naturally or artificially; the wrong smell may be repellent);
* [[Hearing (sense)|Audition]] (how the other's [[human voice|voice]] and/or movements [[sound]]).
== Sexual attraction in animals ==
{{See also|Mating system}}
As with other animals, [[pheromone]]s may also enter into the picture, though less significantly. Theoretically, the "wrong" pheromone may cause someone to be disliked, even when they would otherwise appear attractive. Frequently a pleasant smelling [[perfume]] is used to encourage the member of the opposite sex to more deeply inhale the [[air]] surrounding its wearer{{Fact|date=June 2007}}, increasing the [[probability]] that the pheromones from the individual will also be inhaled. The importance of pheromones in human relationships is probably limited and is widely disputed,<ref name="disputed">{{cite web | url = http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_206.html | title = Will pheromones make you irresistible to the opposite sex? | work = The Straight Dope | accessmonthday = November 30 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> although it appears to have some scientific basis.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=0007F9B4-B6D4-1C60-B882809EC588ED9F&sc=I100322 | title = First Evidence of a Human Response to Pheromones | work = ScientificAmerican.com | accessmonthday = November 30 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>
==Other aspects==
Many people exhibit high levels of [[sexual fetishism]], and are sexually stimulated by other stimuli not normally associated with sexual arousal. The degree to which such fetishism exists or has existed in different cultures is controversial.
==See also==
* [[Attraction trigger]]
* [[Erotic capital]]
* [[Human height]]
* [[Human physical appearance]]
* [[Interpersonal attraction]]
* [[Lookism]]
* [[Physical attractiveness]]
* [[Semiotics of Ideal Beauty]]
* [[Sexual arousal]]
* [[Sex in advertising]]
* [[Sexual dimorphism]]
* [[Sexual field]]
* [[Sexual selection]]
* [[Sex symbol]]
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=== Inter-personal relationships ===
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THIS IS ALL ALREADY ON [[physical attractiveness]], PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR ADDITIONS THERE. Thank you.
To do:
Cats are attracted to other cats.
* cultural ideals are not necessarily cultural practice
* both ideals and practices differ from culture to culture and over time
* sexual attractiveness and self-image, excessive anxiety
* how "beautiful" and "ugly" people are treated by others
* sexual attraction in other animals
* sexual display
* [[behavioral imprinting]]
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==References==
<references/>
*3. On pecularities of Russian sex appeal, see [[Emil Draitser]], Making War, Not Love: Gender and Sexuality in Russian Humor. (New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000.), pp. 13-32. ISBN 0312221290
==Notes==
*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16055126&dopt=Abstract Menstrual cycle, trait estrogen level, and masculinity preferences in the human voice]
== External links ==
* [http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/dfernandez.html Sexual Attraction Among Humans]
* [http://www.faceresearch.org/ FaceResearch] – Scientific research and online studies on the role of faces in sexual attraction
* [http://flatrock.org.nz/topics/relationships/reunions_set_off_sex_urges.htm Reunions Set Off Sex Urges], Article on sexual attraction among birth relatives sparked by [[family reunion|reunion]].
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,3605,956454,00.html Genetic sexual attraction], News report in [[the Guardian]] on persons who have had sexual relationships with or sexually attracted to relatives after reunion.
* [http://www.lookism.info/ www.lookism.info] deconstruction of attraction and beauty standards
{{Sex}}
[[Category:Sexual attraction| ]]
[[Category:Physical attractiveness]]
[[Category:Aesthetics]]
[[Category:Intimate relationships]]
[[Category:Human behavior]]
[[Category:Human sexuality]]
[[Category:Sexuality]]
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