It's an unfortunate reality that, despite numerous instances of women expressing openness to dating shorter men, societal biases against them persist. A quick survey of friends or any adult group would likely confirm the prevailing prejudice short men face when it comes to partner selection. This bias appears illogical, yet short men often find themselves at a disadvantage in the dating pool, facing the stigma of being seen as less-than or inadequate.
While this bias may also exist in the dynamics of sexual attraction among gay men, this discussion will primarily focus on women due to their sheer numerical dominance in heterosexual relationships.
Do women perceive short men as outsiders? Perhaps not outright, but there's a prevailing notion that many women view shorter men as not suitable for long-term relationships. Some short men express feeling seen as awkward teenagers stuck in time, desperate at a school dance and relegated to the sidelines. In essence, it seems that short men aren't perceived as "real" men, a sentiment described by author and social commentator Bell Hooks as the inflated version of the real man who can "take action and defy the norms."
So, what characteristics do women find attractive in men?
Numerous studies have established that women generally prefer tall men over shorter ones. Research by Stulp and colleagues (2013) found that among 650 heterosexual college students, women had a preference for taller men and were hesitant to be involved with someone shorter than themselves. However, the picture is more complex than just height.
A University of British Columbia study (2011) revealed that women are drawn not only to height but also to the social and emotional image a man presents. The study found that women were least attracted to smiling, happy men, leaning towards those who appeared proud and powerful or moody and embarrassed. This aligns with the notion perpetuated by certain articles that suggest women are drawn to "bad boys," contributing to the perception that short men may not fit this archetype.
Further research sheds light on the factors that contribute to women's attraction. O'Connor and colleagues (2014) explored how women find men with lower-pitched voices more sexually appealing.
Anecdotal evidence from female clients suggests that feelings of security and safety are crucial factors in their preferences. Some women express feeling "safer" when accompanied by a tall man, associating height with physical protection in case of danger.
The logic behind these preferences seems elusive. For instance, the argument that taller men are better protectors does not hold up against the reality that many short men possess strength and physical prowess exceeding that of numerous tall men. Unfortunately, such reasoning fails to persuade many women to give short men a fair chance.
What makes the stigma against short men even more perplexing is the minimal correlation between a man's physical size and his internal qualities. It is the internal attributes—personality, character, and commitment—that truly matter in determining a man's potential as a partner or spouse. If what women ultimately desire for a long-term relationship is a genuine, strong, and committed man, short men should not be dismissed. They too qualify!
In conclusion, the biases against short men in the dating world defy logical explanations. The focus on physical attributes, especially height, overshadows the rich tapestry of qualities that make someone a desirable partner. It is high time for society to recognize that a person's worth extends far beyond their physical stature, and short men are just as capable of being devoted, strong, and loving partners as their taller counterparts.
