Is having big breasts a universal beauty standard, like facial symmetry…?
Nope, the preference for large “rounded” breasts is not universal by any means. For example, some tribal peoples wear a heavy plate around their neck to flatten the breasts because in that culture, the “preferred” look is of very flat, pendulous breasts. Again, in a lot of very ancient sculptures, breasts are minimally represented (if at all) and the emphasis is on the shape of the hips and buttocks. Look at fairly recent (ie 18th/19th century) painting, and you’ll see that a tendancy towards plumpness is evident, and that although breasts are represented, more “attention” is given to the stomach/buttocks/thighs as an indication of what was generally considered attractive. The narrow waist, large breasts, moderate hips, flat stomach “hollywood glamour” ideal of physical beauty is fairly recent, and indeed, one only has to look at the 1960’s “twiggy” look, and one will find minimising bra’s, strapping and other devices all intended to give a “small bust” look.
