Are women psychologically predisposed to cattiness?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I've read people's accounts of drama within the nursing team, as well as experienced cattiness firsthand. Are women naturally catty? I'm not a female misogynist, but it seems that more drama seems to arise around females. My theory is that women tend to be simultaneously competitive and social, which creates a need to differentiate "us" vs. "them." Women also tend to be more passive-aggressive, discussing the problem with peers and gaining satisfaction from having security in a group. They also tend to bond over emotions. This conception seems to span across time in stories of senior polygamyous wives mistreating younger wives, courtesans and geisha knocking out competition with cruelty and occasionally hitmen, and the precarious world of high school friendships. What are the psychological differences between male and female, if any?

While working in a group home, I fair amount of drama. A rumor went around that I was a stripper, and nothing was said to my face until I quit. Instead of asking me, they asked my male coworker, who they were going to hold responsible as an accomplice(?) if I indeed had that kind of a night life, for covering up for me. A couple girls actually went to the local club where I reportedly worked at, but of course found nothing. I found that my mail had been opened. I overheard them calling me ugly and scrawny. My male coworker said they were all jealous of me b/c I was the only one who wasn't a high school dropout or overweight or doomed to low-paying jobs. I quit because I started a new semester with a heave courseload and couldn't juggle a job and school, and also b/c I didn't want to risk my male coworker's job b/c he had a family to support.

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.

Originally Posted by Alpha13; I think it's true. Who gossips more? Who's physically weaker? Who has been socially programmed to be more passive (which results in catty behavior, rather than more aggressive behavior you see in men) This isn't meant to knock anyone, men do a lot of stupid things too.

OH BOY!! :eek:

:chair:

:smokin:

Someday-C.R.N.A., what is wrong w/Alpha13's post? For the most part [men should be assertive, rather than aggressive ... a fine line btwn the two], I agree with the post. I do readily agree male's are just as guilty of stupid mannerisms as the catty female nurses. Yet, this Thread [at least my understanding] is not a "males are better than females, or vice versa, at nursing. This Thread is about whether or not we [males & females on allnurses.com] think female nurses are catty, right? Which, they are... :chuckle

Specializes in Nursing Assistant/ Army Medic, LVN.

Nothing wrong with his post.

I just thought that it might provoke some heated rebuttals from a few of the ladies on this board.

If I had a problem with the man's comments, I would have addressed that with him like a man.

:)

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Nothing wrong with his post.

I just thought that it might provoke some heated rebuttals from a few of the ladies on this board.

If I had a problem with the man's comments, I would have addressed that with him like a man.

:)

:chuckle Good reply!

On a side note... BTW, IMHO this Smilie --->:nurse:sux.

Nothing wrong with his post.

I just thought that it might provoke some heated rebuttals from a few of the ladies on this board.

If I had a problem with the man's comments, I would have addressed that with him like a man.

:)

This topic has been posted on these boards before, maybe more than once. The first time I saw it was posted almost word for word as it is here. Someone pointed out then as I will do now. That most serial murder/healthcare workers have been men. Most persons that sexually molest their patients have been men. Most disgruntal employees that walk in to facility and open fire randomly have been men. You are much more likely to be shot or stabbed by you male significant other than your female significant other while at work. The vast majority of sexual harrassment cases have been women filing against men. No one is saying that that women have never committed above offenses, all above offenses have been commited by women from time to time. The fact remains that in a female dominated healthcare work force, most violent acts have always been commited by men even though they are outnumbered 2 to 1 by women. If you want to talk about a thought provoking topic try that one.

:deadhorse

Speaking as a female, I have to say that I think that in our American culture women are socialized to be more passive/aggressive when dealing with conflict. I personally have never understood why on earth I'd want to dance around an issue with someone I was having problems with, or pretend that everything is hunky-dory and really hate that person.

My two-year-old daughter was playing with a 3 year-old-boy once, and he was grabbing toys from her and pushing her away from the place where they were. She got really fed up and grabbed one of those silly plastic baseball bats for kids and promptly beaned him on the noggin. He stopped for a moment, then nodded and pulled her back over to the toys. They got along fabulously after that. I guess I should add I'm not advocating violence as a means of solving the issue, but I think if we were more direct with one another there would be less 'cattiness' from both males and females.

It is just a method to control your environment. Men are more likely to exhibit false bravado or macho behaviors, in my opinion. To me it is the same thing.

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Speaking as a female, I have to say that I think that in our American culture women are socialized to be more passive/aggressive when dealing with conflict. I personally have never understood why on earth I'd want to dance around an issue with someone I was having problems with, or pretend that everything is hunky-dory and really hate that person.

My two-year-old daughter was playing with a 3 year-old-boy once, and he was grabbing toys from her and pushing her away from the place where they were. She got really fed up and grabbed one of those silly plastic baseball bats for kids and promptly beaned him on the noggin. He stopped for a moment, then nodded and pulled her back over to the toys. They got along fabulously after that. I guess I should add I'm not advocating violence as a means of solving the issue, but I think if we were more direct with one another there would be less 'cattiness' from both males and females.

:kiss Excellent post!

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
It is just a method to control your environment. Men are more likely to exhibit false bravado or macho behaviors, in my opinion. To me it is the same thing.

Meow, Meow... sounds like a catty post to me. :lol2:

I think cattiness is just really cunning meanness. And yes I too think women are more prone to it than men.

Put me in a room full of men anyday ! Women? No way.

My opinion. AND my experience.

Z

Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

You're right, oramar, this topic is :deadhorse !! Been done before. And, I agree w/your post....very thought provoking. Plus it illustrates the dangers of "stereotyping" a group of individuals.......:nono:

It always makes me wonder about the OP....newly registered and w/in a couple of posts....a controversial subject....hmmmmm. It seems like as soon as ya get rid of one..... well, you know what I mean!:cool:

This topic has been posted on these boards before, maybe more than once. The first time I saw it was posted almost word for word as it is here. Someone pointed out then as I will do now. That most serial murder/healthcare workers have been men. Most persons that sexually molest their patients have been men. Most disgruntal employees that walk in to facility and open fire randomly have been men. You are much more likely to be shot or stabbed by you male significant other than your female significant other while at work. The vast majority of sexual harrassment cases have been women filing against men. No one is saying that that women have never committed above offenses, all above offenses have been commited by women from time to time. The fact remains that in a female dominated healthcare work force, most violent acts have always been commited by men even though they are outnumbered 2 to 1 by women. If you want to talk about a thought provoking topic try that one.
Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

I can't believe this thread is still standing. Anyone want to have a pool as to how long before its closed?

Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.
I can't believe this thread is still standing. Anyone want to have a pool as to how long before its closed?

:yeahthat: :yeahthat:

+ Add a Comment