Scientists reveal why men like breasts – and say their fixation may be hard-wired

Unraveling Male Attraction to Breasts: Is it Innate or Learned?

For decades, the enduring question of why heterosexual men are drawn to breasts has intrigued scientists. A recent study from the University of Wrocław may have yielded a definitive answer, exploring the roots of male breast attraction.

Exploring the Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Researchers have long debated whether this male fixation on breasts is an inherent biological predisposition or simply a product of Western cultural norms. To investigate this, the study questioned if men raised in environments where female toplessness was common would exhibit less interest in breasts, probing whether the attraction is fundamentally hardwired or culturally acquired.

The Dani Tribe Study: A Unique Perspective

To explore this question, researchers focused on the Dani tribe of Western New Guinea, Indonesia. Until approximately two decades ago, Dani women commonly went topless. However, with increasing Western influence, the practice of covering up became more prevalent.

The research team conducted surveys with two groups of Dani men: 40 older men who matured when toplessness was the standard, and 40 younger men who grew up in a society where women typically wore tops.

Study Methodology and Findings

Participants were surveyed about the frequency of breast touching during intimacy and their levels of sexual arousal when viewing uncovered female breasts.

The findings indicated no significant difference between the older and younger groups. The research, published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, concluded that both groups demonstrated similar levels of attraction.

In essence, even in a society where breasts were openly visible, men still found them to be sexually appealing.

Implications of the Research

Despite acknowledging the study’s focus on a single tribe and its reliance on recollections, lead researcher Michal Stefanczyk suggested that the findings imply that breast attraction is not merely a cultural construct.

Stefanczyk stated, ‘Our findings suggest breasts are inherently attractive to men.’ He further added, ‘Men are naturally drawn to breasts.’

However, Stefanczyk clarified that this does not imply that breasts are the only determinant of male attraction or partner selection.

Beyond Breasts: Other Factors in Attraction

Indeed, a considerable number of Dani men indicated that breasts were not a primary consideration when choosing a life partner.

Steve Stewart-Williams, a psychology professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, commented, ‘It’s often argued that male breast fascination is a Western cultural creation, with other cultures viewing breasts as unremarkable.’

‘This argument always seemed questionable – could culture arbitrarily make men obsessed with elbows or nostrils? This new study is convincing and supports common sense over an unconventional academic hypothesis.’

The Science of Female Form: Curviness and Attractiveness

This research follows recent claims by scientists who proposed a formula for the ideal female physique.

Researchers from the University of Konstanz suggest that the most appealing female figures exhibit a distinct ‘S’ shaped contour from the bust down to the thighs.

This could explain the enduring appeal of more curvaceous figures, such as Marilyn Monroe or Kim Kardashian, who are often perceived as more attractive than slimmer celebrities.

Redefining Ideal Body Shape

The researchers emphasize that overall ‘curviness,’ rather than solely a slender waist, is key to female attractiveness.

These conclusions challenge prior research that posited a 0.7 waist-to-hip ratio as the quintessential female body shape.

However, the latest findings specify that a lower waist-to-hip ratio is only advantageous for women with lower body mass. For women with larger physiques, curviness, not simply waist size, is the pivotal factor in perceived attractiveness.