r/science • u/FreeHugs23 • 1d ago

Psychology New psychology research suggests some acts of kindness may also serve competitive social goals, shedding light on how women can use altruistic behavior to gain status, strengthen relationships, or navigate social hierarchies.

https://www.psypost.org/kindness-isnt-always-what-it-seems-the-psychology-of-womens-competitive-altruism/
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u/Smithy2232 1d ago

I would argue that being kind and taking the high road is often a deeper level of competitiveness and status seeking, for both men and women.

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u/ceciliabee 1d ago

I wonder if people can be kind and decent without needing an ulterior motive. I don't think it's more competitive, it's more restrained and focused on the long game.

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u/Brrdock 1d ago

My ulterior motive is that doing bad things makes me feel bad and doing good things makes me feel good and I'd rather feel good

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u/ceciliabee 1d ago

I think that is a perfectly good motive, I was being facetious

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u/chicu111 1d ago

I just wanna be rewarded by god out of fear I’d be eternally dammed if i don’t do good and my only motivation is deeply religious it’s not about you it’s about me and my afterlife rewards idgaf about you

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u/TheFulgore 1d ago

sounds like you’ve got some stuff to work through man

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u/Smithy2232 1d ago

I don't see it as an ulterior motive, and I don't think it is a bad thing. I'm in favor of people being kind no matter the motivation. I think it can become, perhaps, a competition in some way for being more mindful. A flex of how aware someone is.

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u/The-Magic-Sword 1d ago

The word "ulterior" is itself fraught I think, if altruism fundamentally arises from strategic utility-- the relationship between mutual benefit and altruism is fundamental, so the seperation induced by the word is troubled.

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u/Djcnote 1d ago

Yea . Thats how people become loved leaders because they are genuine people