Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Thinking Allowed

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Science & Nature

BBC Radio 4 FM

Thinking Allowed: Tales from the Field - Beauty capital

14/09/2011

Tales from the Field - Beauty capital

BBC Radio 4 - Thinking Allowed, Tales from the Field - Beauty capital

Erotic capital and criminologists' tales from the field.

How does being beautiful help you get ahead? Laurie talks to two social scientists who have studied the economic benefits of good looks and charm.

Being beautiful apparently brings big dividends: "The total effect of facial attractiveness on income is roughly equal to that of educational qualifications or self-confidence", claims Catherine Hakim in her new book Honey Money. Perhaps it's time to give up on exams and spend more time at the spa because Laurie also hears from the U.S. economist Daniel Hamermesh that being beautiful can greatly inflate your pay packet. 
Also on the programme, Louise Westmarland talks about some of the extraordinary experiences that criminologists have faced whilst researching crime. 
Producer: Charlie Taylor.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Thinking Allowed

Tales from the Field - Beauty capital

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4