#711 - Dr Tracy Vaillancourt - The Ruthless Ways Women Compete With Each Other
Nov 25, 2023
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Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, a professor at the University of Ottawa and author of the forthcoming book 'Mean,' discusses the intricacies of female competition. She explores how women employ indirect aggression and the role of societal pressures in their rivalries. Mind-boggling correlations between bullying, social status, and mental health are dissected, particularly among adolescent girls, highlighting alarming trends exacerbated by the pandemic. Tune in for insights on fostering supportive relationships and addressing the lasting impact of bullying.
Indirect aggression is a competition strategy used by women to assert power and control in relationships.
Social media has a significant impact on the mental health of adolescent girls, contributing to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Bullying is often driven by power dynamics and can have long-lasting consequences, requiring the creation of supportive environments to address it.
Deep dives
The Link Between Indirect Aggression and Female Competition
Dr. Tracey Vainkor discusses the use of indirect aggression as a competition strategy among women. Women engage in indirect aggression to maintain power and control in relationships. Indirect aggression takes the form of gossiping, excluding peers, and nonverbal behaviors. The use of indirect aggression is influenced by social status and the desire to protect resources. Research shows that women can be intolerant of other women, particularly those perceived as attractive or sexually provocative. The use of indirect aggression is a universal phenomenon and has implications for female psychology and social dynamics.
The Influence of Social Media on Girls' Mental Health
Social media plays a significant role in impacting the mental health of adolescent girls. Social comparisons, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the need to belong contribute to anxiety, depression, and jealousy. Girls are more attuned to these dynamics on social media platforms, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The need for validation and the negative impacts of cyberbullying further exacerbate mental health issues. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the mental health challenges faced by adolescent girls.
The Dynamics of Bullying and Social Status
Bullying is often associated with individuals who hold higher social status and have assets and competencies valued by the peer group. High-status bullies abuse their power to maintain their positions in the social hierarchy. The power dynamics in bullying are essential for understanding the motivations and behaviors of bullies. Bullying can have long-lasting consequences and is influenced by various factors, including attractiveness, athletic ability, and social power. Addressing bullying requires addressing power imbalances and creating supportive environments.
The Persistence of High School Dynamics in Adulthood
High school dynamics, such as social hierarchies and bullying, can sometimes persist into adulthood, although they may take different forms. Adult bullying is often less status-oriented and more situation-specific. Social group fluidity and the ability to disengage from toxic relationships contribute to the dissipation of high school dynamics. However, certain contexts, such as parent groups like soccer moms, may recreate high school dynamics as individuals navigate their children's activities. Overall, the experience of high school can influence adult interactions, but the impact is tempered by increased life experiences and changing social dynamics.
Impact of Bullying on Mental and Physical Health
Bullying has significant and long-lasting effects on the brain and overall health. It can lead to mental health difficulties, physical health problems, memory issues, and affect the stress response system. Bullying also affects areas of the brain like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are crucial for memory and emotional regulation. Furthermore, it can cause epigenetic changes and shorten telomeres, indicating negative impacts on health. The damage caused by bullying is extensive and can persist into adulthood.
Evolutionary Significance of Bullying and Addressing the Issue
Bullying, as a behavior, may have roots in our need to belong and maintain societal order. It motivates individuals to conform and prevents chaotic behavior. However, bullying is not limited to those who are socially weak. It can affect individuals with various competencies and attributes. It is crucial to understand the complex interactions between social, biological, and genetic factors that contribute to bullying and its effects. While interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals cope with the aftermath of bullying, the focus should be on preventing bullying through comprehensive, universal programs that involve education and support from teachers and peers.
Dr Tracy Vaillancourt is a professor at the University of Ottawa, a researcher and an author with a focus on the link between violence and mental health.
Intrasexual competition is present in all animals, however the sophistication of this rivalry amongst human females is unbelievably impressive. The "fairer sex" wield their competition in some very weird, wonderful and ruthless ways.
Expect to learn why women use indirect aggression as a competition strategy, how resource scarcity influences competition, whether children actually developed just fine with no consequences during the pandemic, the relationship between bullying and social status, the impact of bullying on a developing brain and much more...
