Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - 2010 - Volume 33, Issue 06  

Open Peer Commentary

No mirrors for the powerful: Why dominant smiles are not processed using embodied simulation

Li Huanga1 and Adam D. Galinskya1

a1 Department of Management and Organizations, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208. l-huang@kellogg.northwestern.edu agalinsky@kellogg.northwestern.edu http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/huang http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/bio/galinsky.htm

Abstract

A complete model of smile interpretation needs to incorporate its social context. We argue that embodied simulation is an unlikely route for understanding dominance smiles, which typically occur in the context of power. We support this argument by discussing the lack of eye contact with dominant faces and the facial and postural complementarity, rather than mimicry, that pervades hierarchical relationships.

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