Have you ever looked in the mirror to see what messages you’ve unknowingly been giving off to those around you?
According to a new study, the shape of your face could influence people’s perceptions of your wealth.
Rich people have narrow, friendly faces, according to a study of preconceptions.
In contrast, researchers from the University of Glasgow say the poor look glum and incompetent.
Rich people have narrow, friendly faces, according to a study of preconceptions. In contrast, researchers from the University of Glasgow say the poor look glum and incompetent
In the study, scientists analysed the snap judgements people make about each other and found faces deemed ‘rich’ are also considered more trustworthy.
They have smiley mouths, chiselled features, raised brows, closely-spaced eyes and rosy cheeks – characteristics that also seem trustworthy, warm and competent.
Meanwhile, faces seen as ‘poor’ have lowered eyebrows, shorter chins, downturned mouths and darker, cooler skin tones – which makes them appear untrustworthy, cold and inept.
The research focused on what makes someone appear of a higher or lower social class, and how these features are linked to perceptions of a person’s personality.
Dr Thora Bjornsdottir, lead author of the study, said rushed judgements based solely on appearance can have long-lasting consequences for individuals.
The researchers found that faces considered poor-looking were more ‘infantile’, with squat, rounded features like a child’s
In the study, scientists analysed the snap judgements people make about each other and found faces deemed ‘rich’ are also considered more trustworthy. Pictured: billionaire Meta co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg
Faces seen as rich have smiley mouths, chiselled features, raised brows, closely-spaced eyes and rosy cheeks – characteristics that also seem trustworthy, warm and competent. Pictured: Jeff Bezos, who is one of the wealthiest people in the world
She said: ‘People who are perceived to be of high or low social class are also often judged as having advantageous or unfavourable traits, respectively.
‘Such judgements are formed even just from facial appearance, and this can have substantial consequences, including disadvantaging those who are perceived to be of lower social class.
‘The stereotypes we hold bias our perceptions.
‘Our impressions of other people can lead to particular advantages or disadvantages for them.’
The researchers found that faces considered poor-looking were more ‘infantile’, with squat, rounded features like a child’s.
These characteristics may be associated with poor fitness, low intelligence or a submissive personality.
Meanwhile, ‘rich’ faces were longer and more defined, with protruding noses, upturned mouths and high foreheads.
These characteristics made them look more dominant, capable and honest.
Professor Rachael Jack said: ‘Our research demonstrates how specific facial attributes play a pivotal role in connecting social class perceptions with related stereotypes.
‘These findings are not only valuable for advancing our understanding of central social perception theories but could also help with future interventions designed to interrupt biased perceptions.’
