Happy Friday Everyone!
I read an interesting paper (Gueguen, N. Jacob, C., Enhanced female attractiveness with use of cosmetics and male tipping behavior in restaurants, J. Cosmet. Sci., 62, 283-290) today that talks about how the use of makeup seems to increase the tips a waitress can collect.
Apparently they did a study that concludes that female waitresses that wear makeup vs. those that do not wear makeup tend to collect larger tips from male customers.
Can you say, “DUH!” I knew that you could.
But let’s take a quick look at the ramifications of the study. According to the study, this was conducted in a laboratory setting. That will upset some people since they believe that if it isn’t happening in the “real” world, that it doesn’t count. Well folks, guess what? Conducting a laboratory trail is the very first step in a field of study. Scientists that tend to rush right out into the public with an idea are usually labeled extremist or insane and often get a punch in the nose.
Next, the waitresses were instructed to act the same way whether wearing makeup or not. Again, any study that uses real people has a wild variable in it. Think of yourself or any woman you know. Do they act the same with or without makeup? Not too many that I know. So there is going to be some give and take on this facet.
During the series of experiments, the same waitress made more money when she wore makeup as opposed to the less she made when she didn’t. The only difference was the use of makeup. The service, food and actions were the same. What does that tell you?
Bottom line: Men tend to give more money to women that they find more desirable. Or attractive.
It may be sexist or it may be in our genes to provide for the most desirable mate. I can’t wait for further studies to be published.
And you thought we only stared at your boobs…
Quantum Cogitation 