A new study has found that bearded men are apparently more sexist.
The researchers suggest that having facial hair give men an air of masculinity, power and dominance.
The Australian researchers came to this conclusion after they quizzed men aged 18 to 72 on levels of hostile and benevolent sexism and then investigated whether there were differences between men with clean shave and those with facial hair.
The researchers also believe that men with facial hair tend to have higher levels of testosterone which is also known to fuel aggression.
“Facial hair may appeal to hostile sexist men because it maximises facial masculinity and augments perceived dominance,” Julian Oldmeadow of the Swinbourne University of Technology said.
Another explanation for the link between men’s facial hair and sexist behaviour may be that men are treated as more macho after growing a beard and feel they have to live up to the expectations.
Previous research has also found that men with facial hair are more likely to cheat. Another research did also find men with facial hair command more respect, particularly from other males.
The study was published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour.
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