Body Size Preferences among Kuwaiti Men and Women: A Socio-cultural Study

• In Event: Sociology of Culture Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): 5. Performance, Embodiment & Aesthetics

Abstract

This study examines how socio-cultural changes influence body size preferences in mate selection among Kuwaiti men and women from a medical sociocultural perspective. Drawing on data from 1,229 participants, the research explores the relationship between individuals’ preferred body types and various socio-demographic factors, including age, education, economic status, body mass index (BMI), marital status, religious affiliation, and ethnic background. Using quantitative methods such as descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis, the study reveals significant variations in mating preferences across different social groups. The findings highlight that cultural, economic, and social contexts play a critical role in shaping ideals of physical attractiveness within Kuwaiti society, reflecting broader socio-cultural transformations and their impact on personal relationships and health-related perceptions.

Authors

• Maha Meshari Alsejari, Kuwait University

• Yagoub Yousif Al-Kandari