Anthropometric Analysis of the Faces of Chinese Women in Leadership Roles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the appearance of the faces of Chinese women in leadership positions through an anthropometric analysis of Women of China from 1949 to 2022. Photographs of cover women of Women of China were gathered and a total of 380 frontal and 101 lateral photographs were collected. The photographs were divided into 3 time phases: phase I (1949–1978): from the launch of Women of China magazine, up until the time of reform and opening; phase II (1978–2010): from the time of reform and opening until when Google China was blocked; and phase III (2010–2022): to the present. The horizontal corneal diameter (11.52 mm) was set as the reference value for the frontal face. The anthropometric results showed the width of the face, midface, and lower face decreased over time. The women at phase I had larger and round faces, smaller and narrower eyes, wider noses, and thicker lips; relatively masculine and hard-working woman image, as the occupations of women were mainly described as workers, farmers, and civil servants. Phase II showed smaller but still round faces, relatively wide-set round eyes, narrower noses, and smaller lips than in phase I; neutral features as skilled workers, engineers, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and researchers. Phase III showed oval faces, almond eyes, narrower noses, smaller full lips, and wider chins, reflecting a process of feminization; working in entertainment, sports, and science. The data from this study might serve as the recommended aesthetic proportions when performing plastic surgical procedures for talented woman.