Cultural influences on domains of facial perception : theoretical review on empirical studies

Cross-cultural influences on facial perception can be considered as a well-researched topic in recent years. Although many studies have been conducted in the pursuit of concrete and definite evidence, findings in the existing literature tend to provide conflicting results illustrating the complexity of the subject. Across three different domains of facial perception: Identity, Emotion, and Attractiveness, the goal of this paper is to provide an organized and systematic critical review of existing empirical findings. Each domain evaluates the consistencies and inconsistencies of proposed theories, together with their relevant evidence. In facial identity perception, contemporary technical studies on eye movement patterns help shed light on possible cultural differences in the way we look at faces. Cultural variability was also found in our ability to perceive and interpret facial emotions based on environmental cues that we are used to. Finally, standards of facial beauty were found to be inconsistent alongside the ever-changing cultural trends. Review showed that with the evolution of culture, our perception changes correspondingly. Theories devised by past researchers might not necessarily apply to current cultures and circumstances.Bachelor of Art