#711 – Dr Tracy Vaillancourt – The Ruthless Ways Women Compete With Each Other | Modern Wisdom

Intro

In this episode of the “Modern Wisdom” podcast, host Chris Williamson interviews Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt about the ruthless ways women compete with each other. They explore the concept of intersexual competition, resource scarcity, indirect aggression, and the impact of bullying on mental health. Dr. Vaillancourt sheds light on the cultural and evolutionary factors that contribute to female rivalry and provides insights into the dynamics of female hierarchies. This episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on the complex nature of female competition and its consequences.

Main Takeaways

Intersexual Competition and Female Rivalry

• Intersexual competition is present in all animals, but human females have a sophisticated rivalry that is impressive.
• Women use indirect aggression as a competition strategy, and it can be ruthless.
• Resource scarcity can influence female competition.

Women’s Support and Perception of Resource Scarcity

• Women are not universally supported and promoted by men.
• Women say they support each other unconditionally, but it’s not always true.
• Perception of resource scarcity affects women more than men.

Indirect Aggression and Policing of Women’s Sexuality

• Historically, men have maintained control over what the opposite sex wanted.
• Women are intolerant of certain types of women, particularly women who are sexy, and this is a universal phenomenon.
• Women mock other women who violate norms of being “sexy but not too sexy” through indirect aggression such as gossiping and exclusion.

Impact of Bullying and Mental Health

• Bullying can impact a developing brain and social status.
• Bullying has significant effects on mental health, including depression, eating disorders, and suicidal tendencies.
• Social media has contributed to poor mental health, particularly for girls and women.

Understanding Bullying and Its Dynamics

• Indirect aggression is the manifestation of intrasexual competition, according to Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt.
• Bullies gain resources, recognition, influence, and adoration.
• High status bullies tend to target those challenging their status.

Summary

Intersexual Competition and Female Rivalry

Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt highlights the impressive nature of female rivalry and how women employ indirect aggression as a competition strategy. This behavior is influenced by resource scarcity, which intensifies the competition among women.

Women’s Support and Perception of Resource Scarcity

Contrary to popular belief, women are not universally supported and promoted by men. The perception of resource scarcity affects women more than men, leading to complex dynamics within female relationships and competition.

Indirect Aggression and Policing of Women’s Sexuality

Women exhibit intolerance towards women who violate societal norms of being “sexy but not too sexy.” Indirect aggression, such as gossiping and exclusion, is used to mock and control women’s sexuality. This behavior is not solely perpetuated by men but also by women themselves.

Impact of Bullying and Mental Health

Bullying has significant consequences on mental health, particularly in adolescents and young women. It contributes to depression, eating disorders, and suicidal tendencies. Social media exacerbates these issues, especially with the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the constant comparison to others.

Understanding Bullying and Its Dynamics

Dr. Vaillancourt emphasizes that bullying is a manifestation of intrasexual competition. Bullies gain power, resources, and adoration through their aggressive behavior. High-status bullies target those who challenge their status, perpetuating a cycle of dominance and control.

Conclusion

This episode delves into the ruthless ways women compete with each other, exploring the influence of intersexual competition, indirect aggression, and the impact of bullying on mental health. It sheds light on the complex dynamics within female relationships and the consequences of societal norms and resource scarcity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering healthier relationships and addressing the mental health crisis faced by many women and girls.