What Is Erotic Capital?
The concept of erotic capital encompasses not only beauty but also dressing style, demeanour, energy and social skills that can attract others' attention. Researchers point out that in professional relationships, these traits – though they shouldn't formally matter – often influence decisions regarding employment or promotion.
From Theory to Practice – What Does the Research Show?
A team from the University of Lodz analysed how employers and recruiters evaluate candidates in various cultural and industry contexts. The results indicate that attractiveness and self-presentation can facilitate attention and build a positive initial image of a candidate. At the same time, when competency requirements are clearly defined, the influence of erotic capital significantly decreases.
Importantly, many people declare that they are not guided by appearance or style, but practice shows something different – there is a clear dissonance between what the respondents say and how they actually evaluate others.
Strategies and Risks
The research has also shown that erotic capital can be used consciously – for example, through clothing choices or behaviour during job interviews. While it can be an asset, it also carries risks: candidates are exposed to stereotypes, prejudices and not always fair assessments.
Implications for Human Resources Management
Publications by Professor Wojtaszczyk and Dr Syper-Jędrzejak underline the need for greater awareness among employers and HR professionals. While erotic capital exists in the workplace, it should not replace competency assessment. Its excessive influence can lead to the perpetuation of inequalities, particularly in relation to gender and age.
The researchers' articles have been published in prestigious international journals, including Sexuality & Culture, SN Business & Economics, and Archives of Sexual Behavior. Their research findings contribute to the global discussion about how appearance and self-presentation shape professional relationships in the 21st century.
We encourage you to read the following texts:
- [2022] Erotic capital and its role in the assessment of candidates and employees: scale development and validation. Decision, 49, 395–413.
- [2025] Erotic Capital: The Role of Attractiveness in Employment and Private Life. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 54, 1875–1893.
- [2025] Understanding the Role of Erotic Capital in Recruitment: Imaginaries and Candidates Experiences. Sexuality & Culture.
Prof. Katarzyna Wojtaszczyk is a Professor at the Faculty of Management at the University of Lodz. Her research interests include human resource management, organisational communication, and contemporary trends in HR. She is an author of numerous publications in international journals, including those on the role of erotic capital in professional work.
Dr Marzena Syper-Jędrzejak is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Management, University of Lodz. She specialises in research on human capital management, employee development, and recruitment processes. Her most recent research focuses on the impact of attractiveness and self-presentation on the assessment of competencies in the workplace.
Edit: Małgorzata Jasińska and Michał Gruda (Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz)
