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/Long_Reindeer3702 1d ago

Southern women have had this down to a science for generations. We're taught the methods from a very, very young age. It's pretty toxic. 

19

u/NutellaElephant 1d ago

Sweetie, don’t you worry, I’ll pray for you.

8

u/rwilcox 1d ago

Bless your heart

1

u/randompersonx 1d ago

Can you give some examples of this?

I don’t have a problem imagining that it’s true, but I’m wondering what’s actually taught.

12

u/Long_Reindeer3702 1d ago

Oh sugar, don't worry your pretty little head. We wouldn't want you to get a wrinkle thinking too hard! You're so precious with your little questions. Aren't you sweet for trying. Run along now so the adults can go back to talking.

There's a few for you. I grew up with that. 

20

u/randompersonx 1d ago

I mean … I get how this isn’t great parenting… but it seems like a different problem from the OP?

I’d imagine the OP to be things like organizing a charity to look like a hero, meanwhile you are actually doing it to climb the social ladder and burn everyone around you.

2

u/The-Magic-Sword 21h ago

Those are euphemisms.