An analysis of facial morphology of UK and US general election candidates: Does the ‘power face’ exist?

Publication date: Available online 8 April 2017
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Shofiq Islam, Christopher J. Taylor, Jonathan P. Hayter
AimsTo determine the frequency of recognised morphologic facial phenotypes amongst UK and US election candidates and to assess whether there is a relationship between facial morphology and success in general elections.MethodsFacial morphological analysis of prime ministerial and presidential candidates in UK and US elections was performed. Direct facial measurements were made from frontal images and morphological facial indices calculated for all candidates. Anthropometric facial phenotype was determined and comparisons made between the elected leaders and unelected runner up candidates. Paired candidates whom had different facial types were analysed as a subgroup with the probabilities of electoral success calculated.ResultsData were available for 45 subjects, of whom 22 were election winners and 23 unelected runner up candidates. Our data showed some variation in facial morphology between the groups. The predominant facial phenotype in both groups was leptoprosopic (narrow and/or long face), accounting for 40% (n=18). Mesoprosopic (average dimension) and Euryprosopic (short and/or broad) facial type represented 31% (n=14) and 18% (n=8) respectively. A majority of the sample (n=36) demonstrated a malar width to mandibular angle width ratio consistent with the modern 'power face' proportion. Subgroup analysis showed a significant association towards success in an election when leptoprosopic candidates were paired against candidates of another facial phenotype (p<0.05).ConclusionLeptoprosopic (long and/or narrow) facial phenotype with a wide mandibular angle width is predominant in UK and US election candidates. Moreover, this facial phenotype appears to be associated with greater electoral success, supporting the concept of a modern political 'power face'.



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