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Human fur patterns and their evolution
Fischer, Jan ; Tureček, Petr (advisor) ; Hora, Martin (referee)
Human fur, although absent on the first sight, is one of human unique features. But the question is, what influences shaped it into its current state. First part ergo the loss of dense fur coat stands on two main hypothesis. The first one being increasing effectivity of sweating for active diurnal lifestyle and the second one being parasite avoidance. There are other hypothesis, although not as reputable. These are aquatic ape hypothesis and importance of fire use hypothesis. The second part are the remaining parts of human fur patterns, some of which even expanded, scalp hair, beards, eyebrows, pubic and axillary hair. Most of these are explained thru hypothesis regarding the importance of communication in expanding human societies but there are also some talking about typical mammalian hair function - environment protection. Scalp hair are mostly explained as health, beauty and individuality signal but it also probably had protective function. Beards as extremely sexually specific trade helped in competition between men although in more of a demonstrative way. They also played role in sexual selection. Eyebrows are irreplaceable in face recognition, emotion expression and they also protect an eye from sweat. Axillary hair preserves armpits and hosts an axillary organ useful in chemical communication....
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Social Meanings of Male Beards
Dubová, Diana ; Hájek, Martin (advisor) ; Hrůzová, Andrea (referee)
Social meanings of male beards Abstract The study focuses on male beard modification, primarily on the significance of beard in the society and beard's ability of social communication. The study is based on the theory of first impression and categorization; male beards are regarded as source of conflictual and cooperative action. Theoretical part draws on previous research about attributed characteristics of beard, fashion and social communication of beard in the past, especially on the European continent, where beards communicated ethnicity, social status, gender and generational distances, sympathy and antipathy to the current events and values. Furthermore, the thesis concentrates on social communication of beard in the present and its perception in the society. Empirical part is based on a questionnaire survey and answers to the question which characteristics are currently attributed to male beard modification in the Czech Republic. Final findings confirm that beards are perceived as symbol of masculinity, dominance and social maturity, clean shaved face and face with mustache or goatee, taken as signs of conformity, are generally well-received, while faces with stubble receive negative ratings.
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