On average, women smile more than men. Research consistently shows a significant difference in smiling rates between the sexes. For example, one study indicates that the average woman smiles 62 times a day, while the average man smiles only 8 times. [Medical Arts Dental, 2018; Life Dental Group, 2022]. This difference has been observed across numerous studies [Hall, 1984; Hall & Halberstadt, 1986; Henley, 1977; LaFrance & Hecht, 1999; A large-scale analysis of sex differences in facial expressions, 2017].
However, it's crucial to understand the context behind these statistics. A Yale study found that when men and women occupy similar social and work roles, this gender gap in smiling frequency diminishes significantly [Yale University, 2003; Yale Bulletin and Calendar]. This suggests that societal expectations and gender roles heavily influence smiling behavior. Women may be socialized to smile more often as a means of displaying approachability, compliance, or emotional expressiveness.
This disparity is also highlighted by observations about smiling at strangers. Research indicates that women and adolescent girls smile more frequently at strangers than their male counterparts [Reddit AskSocialScience, 2020]. This underscores the impact of social norms and expectations on how men and women present themselves publicly.
The increased smiling in women is often linked to higher levels of empathy, leading to more frequent emotional connections and consequently, more smiles [Life Dental Group, 2022].
In summary, while women generally smile more than men, this difference is significantly impacted by social conditioning and the roles individuals occupy within society. The simple answer is women, but the complete picture reveals a complex interaction between biology, social expectations, and individual behavior.
