Women can be their own worst enemies, studies reveal

Studies have revealed that women can be their own worst enemies. MeToo movement may have helped men learn how to treat women with respect in 2018, but several new studies indicate women still haven’t learned how to treat each other.

A new study published in the journal “Social Psychology”finds that both men and women tend to think more negatively of their sexually active female friends as opposed to their male counterparts.

Researchers asked 4,455 male and female participants from the United States, ages 18-35, to complete surveys — answering questions on their perceptions regarding a close friend whose sexual history they knew. The questionnaire had them assess their friend’s values, likability, success and intelligence.

They found that males who had multiple partners were regarded more positively than females. For women, the more partners they had, the worse their gal pals evaluated them.

“Try to be aware of when you judge people based on their sexual behavior and reputation, and when others appear to be doing the same thing. This is especially important in today’s times, with the increased visibility of things like sexual harassment and assault,” study author Michael J. Marks of New Mexico State University told PsyPost recently.

In December, related research published in “Evolution and Human Behavior” found that women treat females they view as “sexualized” more harshly than men do.

For the study, researchers asked 1,000 men and women to complete economic decision-making games, and told them they were playing against a real female opponent on the other side of the screen. In fact, they were only playing a computer-generated contestant.

These digital opponents were either depicted in conservative clothing with little makeup — or wearing tight outfits with more makeup.

Both male and female participants were less likely to share money with the sexualized women or entrust them with an investment.

But only women were also willing to punish their sultry adversaries, even if that meant also sabotaging themselves — by refusing to give money to these women, and, in turn, giving up a chance to earn a small sum themselves. They would rather give up the chance at more cash if it meant denying their sexy challenger.

Studies earlier in the year also indicated that women’s mindless gossip about other women is actually a passive form of self-aggrandizement, and that they are also nastier to each other in the workplace.

Perhaps a more supportive sisterhood should be the resolution for 2019.

Are women their own worst enemies? Yes. Envy, insecurities, low self esteem and the spirit of unhealthy competition won’t allow some women love other women and support them genuinely. It’s sad but that’s the reality.

Source: www. nypost.com.