Sexual attraction 211430 226140320 2008-07-17T00:19:44Z Aldrich Hanssen 7104265 /* See also */ * [[Attraction trigger]] <!----------------------------------------------- *********NOTICE TO WOULD-BE-ROMEOS*************** Vandalism to this article is usually reverted within seconds, and you will be blocked quickly for repeat efforts. Why not send flowers instead? ------------------------------------------------> <!----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 &ndash; 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]] <!-- to be written === Inter-personal relationships === to be written ... 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]] --> ==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] &ndash; 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]] {{Link FA|pl}} [[de:Sexappeal]] [[et:Seksapiil]] [[es:Atracción sexual]] [[fr:Attirance sexuelle]] [[it:Attrazione sessuale]] [[lt:Lytinis potraukis]] [[pl:Atrakcyjność fizyczna]] [[ru:Сексапильность]]