http://news.rice.edu/2014/02/10/is-height-important-in-matters-of-the-heart-new-study-says-yes-2/

I'd like to start on a discussion about why women prefer men taller than them. I think it is a fair assumption to state they do. If you somehow disagree with that premise then please speak up.

According to the study data, the dominant reasons females cited for preferring a tall partner are matters of protection and femininity.

From the study's authors:

“Evolutionary psychology theory argues that ‘similarity is overwhelmingly the rule in human mating,'” said Michael Emerson, the Allyn and Gladys Cline Professor of Sociology, co-director of Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research and the study’s co-author. “However, our study suggests that for physical features such as height, similarity is not the dominant rule, especially with females.”

“As the girl, I like to feel delicate and secure at the same time,” said a woman in the study who is 5 feet 3 inches tall. “Something just feels weird in thinking about looking ‘down’ into my man’s eyes. There is also something to be said about being able to wear shoes with high heels and still being shorter. I also want to be able to hug him with my arms reaching up and around his neck.”

George Yancey, a professor of sociology at the University of North Texas and the study’s lead author, believes that the height preferences of men and women can be explained by traditional societal expectations and gender stereotypes. He noted that it is a widespread perception that tall height is a personal asset for men and a personal liability for women. He said that the study’s finding that height matters more to women supports the social system of patriarchy, in which males are the primary authority figures.

Like always, the authors present two theories; evo psych and social conditioning theory. Of course it can be a mixture of both as well. I think this study is an accurate reflection of the reasons why women prefer men taller than them. Masculine traits like height and strength make women feel protected and secure.

Q4All: Do you think the results of the study are an accurate reflection of why women prefer men taller than them? Does masculinity make women feel protected and secure and is the desire to feel protected and secure the fundamental reason why women desire masculine traits?

Q4All: Is it possible to advise men to fulfill this desire without advocating a gender role?

Q4BP: Do you believe women have any instinctual desires? If yes, what are they?