Instinct or Behaviour?

[ethics]

In 1930, when polling women about traits in a man they seek the most, on average, financial status was number one (while the usual, "intelligence, sense of humor, loyalty, etc... were there as well).

In 1990, nearly the same poll reveals that:

1. This has not changed

2. Women are more independent and care more about person's personality and not their status.

3. Women care more about financial status than ever before.

Similarly, similar polls were conducted for men and not surprisingly, looks came first. Has that:

1. Not change in the 50 years.

2. Men care more about the personality and not how a woman looks.

3. Men care about looks more than ever before.

[AmeritecTech]

On a very instinctual level, for women it is about self-preservation (a man who can support them and treat them) and for men it is about sowing their seed in a woman with desirable traits. I think there is a deep undercurrent of instincts running through our desires.

On top of this undercurrent there are environmental factors that shape that instinct. The 1920's and 1930's are a perfect example. Fat men were highly desired as they were thought to be wealthy (particularly during the Great Depression, when food wasn't as affordable nor were jobs as plentiful) and women with small breasts were also considered desirable (particularly during the flapper days of the Roaring 20s). Our environments dictate partially how our instincts behave and what they desire.

[ethics]

Damn, perfect answer. Stole my wind! ;)