A new study from Vienna University has sparked controversy by suggesting that children born to older fathers are less attractive. The research, which involved 12 judges rating over 8,000 adult photographs, found that those born to fathers aged 40 were rated 5-10% less attractive than those with fathers aged 22, with the gap widening as paternal age increased.
Critics have questioned the study's methodology, noting that only 12 people conducted the ratings, raising concerns about cultural bias and the subjective nature of beauty. Journalist Holly Baxter described the reporting as 'dystopian', pointing to headlines that offer backhanded compliments such as 'children born to older families are more likely to be ugly … but may also live longer'.
The findings have reignited debates around fertility and age, with women often bearing the brunt of societal pressure to have children early. Baxter noted that women frequently face comments about their 'biological clocks', while men's fertility is less scrutinised. She warned that the study could be used to blame women for 'making bad partner choices' and 'creating ugly Britain'.
Experts urge caution in interpreting the results, emphasising that beauty is subjective and that the small sample of judges limits the study's generalisability. The research adds to a long history of fertility scaremongering, which Baxter dismissed as ineffective and harmful.
