Sizing up a Man

The ratio of the index and ring finger in males is being linked to a host of behavioural traits.

The ratio of the index and ring finger in males is being linked to a host of behavioural traits.

It’s not exactly palmistry, but it is getting close. The relative length of the male index finger as compared to the other fingers, barring the thumb, is being correlated to behaviour patterns such as aggression and risk-taking. The reasoning for such conclusions is based on hard science. Hormones called androgens are important in the development of masculine characteristics such as aggression and strength, and it is believed that prenatal androgens affect finger length during development in the womb. High levels of androgens, such as testosterone, increase the length of the ring finger in comparison to the index finger. In the latest such research, a study from Concordia University has found the ratio of the lengths of the index and ring finger to be an indicator of potential financial success in men. Of course, the last claim is a stretch based on extrapolating reasonable conclusions to suppositions which science cannot easily support.

“Previous studies have linked high testosterone levels with risky behaviour and financial success,” says senior researcher Gad Saad. “We
investigated the relationship between prenatal testosterone and various risk proclivities. Our findings show an association between high testosterone and risk-taking among males in three domains: recreational, social and financial.” However, their findings do not support similar conclusions for women based on this ratio of finger lengths.

Gad’s co-author, doctoral student Eric Stenstrom is willing to go further with this speculative claim: “Since women tend to be attracted to men who are fit, assertive and rich, men are apt to take risks with sports, people and money to be attractive to potential mates. What’s interesting is that this tendency is influenced by testosterone exposure—more testosterone in the womb can lead to more risks in the rink, the bar and the trading floor later in life.”

Interestingly, scientists found that the fossil finger ratios of Neanderthals, and early members of the human species, were lower than most living humans, suggesting that early humans tended to be more aggressive and promiscuous.

behaviourConcordia Universityhandindex fingerring finger