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In this age of triumphant feminism, men still don’t see women as equals. Why are smart women so annoying to the representatives of the strong half of humanity?
The dislike that many feel for smart women has long been a mystery to me. It would seem that the mind is the most attractive quality not only in women, but also in men, whether they are friends, partners or colleagues.
This is not about intelligence, the ability to quote Greek philosophers or name the capital of Tuvalu, but about the ability to say relevant things during a conversation. However, smart women are still ostracized, in my environment rarely and imperceptibly, in other areas — often, clearly and sharply.
Society imposes on men and women a certain repertoire, a set of rules of conduct that directly depends on gender. And they resent and show aggression when someone encroaches on their gender-based role. According to cultural norms, being smart is unfeminine. That’s why.
1. Smart women are bad «slave»
I like the theory that men and women were equal in the age of gathering, about 700 years ago. With the development of agriculture, the emergence of food stocks and the ability to store them, much has changed.
Sexual roles were defined, men became more privileged, monogamy became less important, and slavery became economically viable. Men began to dominate not only slaves, but also women. Smart women have undermined and are undermining patriarchal foundations.
2. They are bad housewives
Outside the home, many men are forced to obey the rules, but in their own family they are kings and gods. Smart women refuse to meekly engage in thankless deeds that are noticeable only when they are not done.
3. Such women think too much of themselves.
Society focuses on female reproductive function, men focus on the female body (not the brain). Society sets girls up for lower achievement. Clever women break the pattern, and others rush to put them in their place, like a child who interferes in the conversation of adults.
4. Smart women show that “acting like a girl” is not scary.
We are taught that masculinity is «better» than femininity. Football coaches and sergeants in the army drill players and soldiers, calling them «girls». Women prevent not-too-successful men from being proud of their gender.
5. They are bad moms.
Note that it is “mommies”, not “mothers”: smart women become the best mothers. But they don’t fit into the mommy-daddy paradigm, where the former provide care and the latter protect.
6. Smart women refute men’s ideas about consciousness
It is generally accepted that men think differently, “better” and deeper. They are sure that women have other thoughts, feelings, possibilities. A smart woman refutes this axiom, causing men to get annoyed and bewildered.
7. Such women «betray» the women’s community.
Average women, as a rule, also do not like smart women: they are used to uniting in groups (this is best seen at school), and smart women are different from them, which provokes envy and inappropriate behavior.
These women are criticized by «us» and «strangers», but this is not a reason to try to please everyone and pretend to be a narrow-minded simpleton.
About the author: Michael Carson is a professor of psychology at the University of Denver.