What stereotype suggests that beautiful people are perceived to have positive inner qualities?

The stereotype that beautiful people are perceived to have positive inner qualities is best captured by the term "what-is-beautiful-is-good stereotype." This concept implies that individuals tend to associate physical attractiveness with desirable traits such as intelligence, kindness, and competence. Research in social psychology has shown that people often make assumptions about someone's character based on their appearance, leading to a bias where attractive individuals are favored and thought to possess better inner qualities.

This stereotype can have significant social implications, affecting various domains such as hiring practices, social interactions, and even legal judgments, where attractive individuals might receive more favorable treatment. Understanding this stereotype is essential as it highlights the biases that can arise from superficial judgments and emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual qualities beyond physical appearance.