Thechoosing physically large candidates in an electionIt can be a behavior developed to ensure survival, according to a study by the Texas Technological University (TTU) that publishes the journalSocial Science Quarterly.
Historical data confirm this theory ofpredominance of “big” leaders. And even today, when this distinction might not make sense, it is still reflected. “Some instincts acquired in the evolutionary process continue to manifest themselves in modern life, even if they are irrational ?, explains Gregg R. Murray, co-author of the study.” Such as the fear of snakes, derived from when this animal was a habitual threat, or the taste for greasy and unhealthy foods, stemming from when calorie intake was uncertain. In politics there are also these loopholes. “
According to the SINC agency, the authors analyzed in two studies individual attitudes regarding the association between physical stature and political leadership. Specifically, they posed a series of questions to 467 students from universities, both public and private, in the US They asked them to draw their image of an “ordinary citizen” and an “ideal national leader.” 64% portrayed the leader with a greater stature. In the second part they examined the assessment that young people had of their own attributes as leaders, using a questionnaire. The results showed an association between height and the perception of one’s own leadership capacity, which leads to a greater interest in developing a political career. In other words,people prefer bigger leaders, Ytaller men see themselves the most as leaders.
By combining the results obtained experimentally with the literature consulted, the authors provide a theoretical basis for this phenomenon. “Cultural or environmental factors are not enough to explain the origin of the preference for higher leaders,observable in the most varied societies, from the ancient Mayans to the pre-classical Greeks and modern civilizations? argues David Schmitz, also head of the TTU research. “It reflects an evolutionary characteristic, independent of all cultural conditions”, they conclude.
