Erotic Capital

The French concept, known as belle laide, refers to a less attractive woman becoming appealing and even alluring through her personal presentation, social skills and style. 

The theory behind belle laide is based on the notion that natural attraction or what we call “sex appeal” requires some level of physical beauty, talent, and ability, but can also be learnt.  Training and development can take you far beyond what nature gifted you.

A colleague of mine, Catherine Hakim, Professor of Economic Sociology, London School of Economics http://personal.lse.ac.uk/hakimc/, recently published her emerging research on the socio-economic theory of Erotic Capital. 

Hakim’s work has been published in European Sociological Review an Oxford Journals publication http://esr.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/jcq014v1?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=erotic+capital&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT, the March 23^rd issue of Project http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/2010/03/have-you-got-erotic-capital/ and March 27^th issue of The Financial Times http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/960cd280-390e-11df-8970-00144feabdc0.html.

Erotic capital is a multi-faceted asset and is very different from economic, social, and cultural capital and is an essential concept for understanding social processes in the public and private sectors of contemporary society. 

The thesis is that erotic capital is on the rise and is gaining social and economic important, giving women an advantage, and is a key factor in women’s changing status in society and the economy.

In particular labor markets, erotic capital can be more important than economic or social capital and can boost hiring and advancement opportunities in some professions as much, or even more than education and experience, according to investigations included in Hakim’s research. 

Theorists may have overlooked erotic capital as an important hidden factor enhancing success in all jobs.

The skills necessary to build your erotic capital are not new.  Throughout history and in all societies, women have exploited their erotic capital for upward social mobility through the marriage market instead of the labor market. 

Characteristics for building your erotic capital include:

·       Intellectual vitality and grasp of current world events

·       Energetic, physical fitness and graceful movement

·       Exceptional personal grooming

·       Engaging sense of humor and wit

·       Liveliness and attraction to adventure

·       Warmth, sensitivity and genuine human empathy

These are characteristics we can all exercise and develop to augment your natural beauty and erotic capital. 

You can also find more tips to amplify your appeal in my book, “Authentic Sensual Living”, in Chapter 6, Radiantly Authentic and Sensual.