The Evolution of High Heels

1547 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Theory of evolution charles darwin evidences

Introduction Evolution suggests that life began as relatively small and simple organism and developed into various complex organisms today. Charles Darwin proposed his Theory of Evolution, forming the foundation of evolutionary biology. He suggested that the origins of new life and evolution are caused by natural selection over successive generations. It allows differential reproduction of genotypes. There are five principles drawn upon the observation and assumption of evolution, which are reproductive potential, constancy of number, struggle for existence, individual differences and inheritance of traits. According to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, differences in species are caused by continuous and accumulative small changes over a long period of time. The development of high heels works in a similar way. Over the centuries, high heels were gradually transformed from a product of the patriarchal society1 into a fashion design item. There exist different types and different appearances of high heels. Although high heels are non-living things, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is applicable to describe the changes of them regarding the five characteristics of evolution. The aim of this essay is to demonstrate how to apply Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to the development of high heels. This essay begins by explaining the evolution of the high heel. It will then focus on application of five characteristics of evolution. Evolution of high heels Being a type of footwear, high heels mark the class, social status and personality of individuals as what the shoes in general function. In ancient times dated from 1000 BC, high heels provided a high social status. Nowadays, high heels are one of the fashionable items. Time Event... ... middle of paper ... ... Meaning of High Heels? [Internet]. [cited 2011 Oct 24]. Available from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-the-trenches/200909/the-psychology-women-what-is-the-meaning-high-heels 4. Darwin, C. 1959. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or, the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. London: J. Murray. 5. History of High Heels [Internet]. [cited 2011 Oct 24]. Available from: http://www.mysexyhiheels.com/history/history.html 6. Gad S. Why are high heels so enticing? [Internet]. [cited 2011 Oct 24]. Available from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/homo-consumericus/200902/why-are-high-heels-so-enticing 7. E.O. Smith High heels and evolution, Psychology, Evolution & Gender 1.3 December 1999 pp.245-277, Journal 30 8. Hillary J. Less talk, more talk: An evolutionary motive for wearing high heels, St. Ambrose University.

Show More
Related

  • Your Inner Fish By Neil Shubin Analysis

    887 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the book, Your Inner Fish, by Neil Shubin he presents the notion of evolution and how we can trace parts that make up the human body back to jellyfish, worms, and even fish. The book not only discusses how we arose to be what we are today, but also the implications our ancestors had on our current body plan. In this essay, I will demonstrate that I have digested the entirety of Shubin’s book by convincing you (dear reader) that everything in our bodies is based on simple changes to already existing systems. To make this case, I will use the evidence of limb development in a vast array of organisms, the four arches found in the embryological stage of development, the structures inside our noses, and how our ears have come about all due to modifications.

    Read More

  • Savanna Theory Versus Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Evolution

    1286 Words  | 3 Pages

    The evolution of man is constantly in question. While we are reasonably sure that modern humans and primates are both related to the same common ancestor, there is constant debate over what initially caused the two species to split into early hominids and apes. According to some, our longest and most popular theory on the division of man and ape is profoundly wrong. However, those same individuals usually offer an equally controversial theory as a substitute, one that is almost impossible to scientifically test or prove. Both the Savanna Theory and the Aquatic Ape Theory offer solutions to how and why humans evolved into bipedal toolmakers. But with enough questioning, each loses its accountability to rhetorical science.

    Read More

  • Summary Of The Family With Little Feet By Sandra Cisneros

    212 Words  | 1 Pages

    Esperanza’s first experience with heels is at first an exciting experience of her womanhood. After they wear the shoes, they said, “Hurray! Today we are Cinderella because our feet fit exactly.” (Cisneros Page 40) This sentence shows how excited they are; they think if they wear those shoes, they will become the Cinderella and a woman. They can present themselves to other people and show they're pretty; every boy will chase them and talk how beautiful they are. They will like that feeling.

    Read More

  • Hominid's Development of Bipedalism

    600 Words  | 2 Pages

    Approximately 4 million years ago a wonderful evolutionary phenomenon was happening in Africa. Early hominids, man’s ancestors, were beginning a giant leap in their evolution. These hominids were moving out of the forest and beginning to walk upright, out on the open plains (Fagan, 98). This change from quadrupedalism was the most significant adaptation that ever happened to these early hominids. It caused many adaptations that make man what he is today. This process occurred in early hominids for many different reasons, each reason helping to perfect the upright walking posture. Bipedalism is thought to have occurred because of changes in environment, feeding habits, thermal regulation, and behavioral mechanisms.

    Read More

  • Birkenstocks

    1961 Words  | 4 Pages

    When Birkenstocks come up in casual conversation one is sure to hear remarks about hippies, granola, the environment, and what ugly shoes many still think they are. However the history of Birkenstocks in the US has come a long way in the past 30 years. From its start as the home business of Margot Fraser these shoes have moved from being sold in health food stores, to the prominent spaces in occupies today in establishments like Nordstrom and L.L. Bean.

    Read More

  • Factors in the Evolution to Bipedalism

    757 Words  | 2 Pages

    The evolution of the human species has significantly changed during the course of evolution to what is now the modern day Homo sapiens. Some of the changes that have occurred through the evolution are bipedalism, changes in body features such as brow ridges, and an increase in brain capacity.

    Read More

  • Kate Middleton's Secret to Comfortable Heels Revealed

    428 Words  | 1 Pages

    People have often wondered how Kate Middleton wears a pair of heels so effortlessly at public appearances, whether walking through the admiring crowds or standing for photographs.

    Read More

  • Quadruman Vs Darwinism

    447 Words  | 1 Pages

    To gain this great advantage also the feet of the species would need to be rendered flat, as well as the great toe being modified greatly for the advantage of standing straight. Darwin goes on to state in order to add more validity to natural selection that an intermediate form can still be seen in the savages that still have retain some of their prehensile powers which they use to their advantage to climb trees. Moreover, as the hands and feet began to get adapted to man’s new way of life, it would give them various advantages. For instance, being able to defend themselves with stones and be able to attack their prey with them. As this new structure starts to being developed, those who inherit this structure will go on to live and those that don’t will eventually die off. Additionally, as the man became more erect it developed its spinal cord for support as well as other structures. As man, started to develop its mental faculties and started to perfect the way to hunt, it would lead the teeth to be reduced in size and the canine teeth to slowly disappeared Darwin goes on to state that man has lost its hair not because it is advantageous to them in their environment but because of sexual selection. Finally, another structure that Darwin mentions is the tail that becomes vestigial in humans due to simply friction when man sit

    Read More

  • What Makes Us Human?

    1725 Words  | 4 Pages

    One of the most important and pivotal physical and biological adaptations that separate humans from other mammals is habitual bipedalism. According to Darwin, as restated by Daniel Lieberman, “It was bipedalism rather than big brains, language, or tool use that first set th...

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Human Evolution 101 By Nadia Drake

    500 Words  | 1 Pages

    Although humans believe they have reached their full intellectual potential, evolution is constant in all creatures. Humans and animals have been in the making for millions of years and continue to be influenced by their environment. Through the use of logos, Nadia Drake successfully explains the basic concepts of human evolution which includes dates, locations, and relations. Using this the audience better understands the process of evolution and the debunked myths that surround

    Read More

  • Control Through Technology: Communication and Societal Dependence

    541 Words  | 2 Pages

    “The Theory of Human Evolution.” Oxford Companion to Archaelogy. Oxford Univerity Press, 2012. 6 Feb. 2014.

    Read More

  • Opposing Viewpoints on Depression

    2443 Words  | 5 Pages

    Darwin, Charles. From The Origin of Species. New York: P.F. Collier and Son Corporation, 1937. 71-86; 497-506.

    Read More

  • A Comparison of High Heels and Flats

    622 Words  | 2 Pages

    Women are always searching for the right shoe. There are so many different styles, types, colors, and even heights. To me the two most common types are high heels and flats. Well, at least in today’s fashion those are the two most common. Both, if paired with the correct outfit are simply stunning. High heels offer a sexier look that’s nearly impossible to get from a flat shoe. Nevertheless, I feel very strongly about women in high heels. They make your legs look longer, butt look better, and they are sexier than flats. On the other hand, if you’re running around and being busy all day, nothing feels better than a cute pair of flats. Its time we hit the ground running as we explore the real similarities and differences of the two common types of shoes, in which I mean comfort, styles, and versatility.

    Read More

  • Cultural Shoes History

    341 Words  | 1 Pages

    Shoes just to wear, but also a work of art, is the country's culture show, for example, in the 18th century in France, high-heeled shoes is a status symbol for the, at that time, not a woman's high-heeled shoes exclusive shoes but man, invented by Napoleon, popular in French court, to show the identity of the nobility, each pair of high heels is a unique work of art, which is a unique national culture,

    Read More

  • The Purpose of Shoes

    662 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shoes are not only worn to protect the human feet. They are also worn because they add the final touch to the style you are trying to create. The history of shoes is very long and nobody really knows when the first shoes were created but we do know that they were originally made to warm the feet. Now, there are many different types and each kind helps you function a different way. The shoe is also made up of many parts and every kind of shoe has different parts then other types. Year by year, shoes have been improving and becoming more and more popular. Now, we have all the equipment and all the materials we need to make the shoe better than ever.

    Read More

More about The Evolution of High Heels

Open Document