

#711 - Dr Tracy Vaillancourt - The Ruthless Ways Women Compete With Each Other
185 snips Nov 25, 2023
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.
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Intolerance of Sexy Peers
- Women are intolerant of sexy peers, contradicting the popular narrative of universal female support.
- This intolerance stems from a perceived resource scarcity and the idea that promiscuity diminishes women's collective power.
The Sexy Confederate Study
- Dr. Vaillancourt conducted a study where a confederate interrupted women's conversations, dressed either sexily or conservatively.
- The sexily dressed confederate was treated poorly, demonstrating women's intolerance of sexy peers.
Indirect Aggression as Competition
- Women primarily use indirect aggression, like gossip and exclusion, as a competition strategy.
- This contrasts with men, who use a mix of direct and indirect aggression.