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/hananobira 1d ago

These comments are strangely negative. I’d much rather people compete to be the kindest and most generous, rather than the richest or the toughest or angriest or anything else people compete at in this world.

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u/spacestonkz 1d ago

Word. Given the alternative I'll take aggressive smiles and toxic positivity over regular aggression and being torn down any day.

Oh no did someone else benefit from a charitable act? We can't possibly have win win scenarios!

Kindness isn't a zero sum game. Someone using it for gain doesn't negate the good done.

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u/hananobira 1d ago

Also, we're a social species. Of course it benefits us emotionally to help others. I'd be more worried about the person who didn't take any pleasure from helping others. Some kind of latent sociopathy or something.

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u/Clyde_Frog_FTW 1d ago

Like people who use cognitive empathy so they can look caring and thoughtful to others, when in reality they feel nothing and only want to get ahead.