The Universality of Facial Expressions
A large portion of our communication is nonverbal. We use hand gestures, change the pitch of our voices, and express our feelings through facial expressions like a raised eyebrow or a grin. Facial expressions, in particular, reveal a great deal about our emotional state. But are emotional facial expressions universally recognised? This is the question I set out to explore. In this literature review, I examined a wide range of studies addressing whether facial expressions of emotion are universally recognised by everyone. The findings presented strong arguments from both sides.
Research supporting the universality of facial expressions pointed to biological and evolutionary mechanisms, suggesting that facial expressions are innately programmed within us. Therefore, we can all recognise them as being associated with universally agreed upon emotions.
This theory was supported by research conducted on preliterate cultures -cultures with verbal communication but lacking written language. The results indicated that specific facial muscular patterns are universally associated with discrete emotions across all cultures, including those with individuals who have had minimal exposure to literate societies. This supports the idea that facial expressions are universal, irrespective of cultural literacy.
Historically established theories of emotions also support the idea that there are some basic emotions that are universally recognised by all humans irrespective of sociocultural influences. Most notably, Paul Ekman’s theories that propose that anger, fear, joy, sadness, surprise and disgust are all considered universal emotions. Consequently, facial muscular patterns of expression are considered universal across all cultures, including those who have had minimal exposure to literate cultures.
Despite the body of research that supported universality of facial expressions, there was also research that challenges this phenomenon.
The opposing studies highlighted the significant role of sociocultural influence in how individuals perceive emotions from facial expressions. These findings showed that while people were able to recognise certain facial muscular patterns and associate them with the same emotions, differences arose when determining the intensity of these emotions. This challenged the assumption that facial expressions of emotions are universally interpreted, suggesting instead that cultural context and societal norms can influence how facial expressions are understood, even those in visually and culturally isolated communities.
After reviewing the research, I found compelling evidence on both sides of the debate. On one hand, there is strong support that that basic standard emotions, such as anger, fear, joy, sadness, surprise and disgust are universally recognised. Across cultures people seem to identify these emotions through facial expressions in much the same way.
But it's not that simple. When it comes to nuanced emotion, like - intensity and intention, the picture gets more complex. These subtleties are crucial for understanding the full spectrum of human emotion, and they appear to be influenced heavily by sociocultural factors. Different cultures and varying levels of exposures to other societies can shape how we interpret these emotional cues.
What I have come to understand, is that recognising emotions isn’t just about biology. It’s a mix of biological, psychological, and social influences. Ignoring any one of these factors oversimplifies the complex and intricate nature of human emotions and the unique ways we perceive them. Our emotions and the way we understand them form a vital part of our identities and experiences, reflecting a delicate balance of innate and learned elements.
Minahil Mehr
Current Bachelor of Psychology student at RMIT University