Why do some people seem to lead charmed lives? They are attractive, but a /so lively, friendly' and charismatic. People want to be around them. Doors open for them. The answer, this book shows, is in the power of erotic capital-the overlooked human asset that is at the heart of how we work, succeed and conduct our relationships. Catherine Hakim's groundbreaking book reveals that erotic capital is just as influential in life as how rich, clever, educated or well-connected we are. Drawing on hard evidence, she illustrates how this potent force develops from an early age. with attractive children assumed to be intelligent, competent and good. She examines how women and men learn to exploit it throughout their lives, how it differs across cultures and how it affects all spheres of activity, from dating and mating to politics, business, film, music, art and sport. She also explores why erotic capital is growing in importance in today's highly sexualized culture and yet,...