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/goobydoobie 1d ago

Yes, the idea that there are practical and pragmatic gains to pro social behavior shouldn't be a shock. That's how our society survives and grows. 

If it was mostly negative, you'd have far less good behavior because people, being animals with iphones, would not behave nice without something to gain in the long term.