I didn't read the under the cut material since I've only read the first book... so i also don't know how valid this comment turns out to be in the long run. But Mrs. Coulter's male equivalent gets by an the sterotypical alpha-male looks/demeanor, and uses that in the same way that she does her beauty. Taken together I see it as a commentary a critique of what society in general deems praiseworthy in terms of gender.