Beards throughout history have had a connection to greatness. Any man who is remembered throughout history has had some connection to a beard. Additionally, it has been connected to honor, sexual virility and social status. For example, in the Middle Ages, just touching another man’s beard was offensive and grounds for a duel. Otto the Great when saying anything of importance or significance would then swear by his beard. However, what is it to be perceived as being great? Notably, greatness is the personification of prestige or the widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality. Beards are perceived as being associated with maturity, expertise and knowledge. A study conducted in 1990 found that men with beards were seen as being more competent. Similar studies have been conducted and found similar results. A LinkedIn profile study was conducted and found that bearded men were considered to have more expertise.
Today’s society is heavily biased and is easily influenced by only a few physical characteristics. Beards are a sociological stimulus characteristic and help to generate strong stereotypical connections toward masculinity. Through social media, these stereotypes and perceptions have influenced males to assert a hyper-masculine facade. Overall, beards have promoted dominance, sexual virility, and prestige in the modern world.
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