EvoS Journal: The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium
Volume 10, Special Issue 1, 2018
Title
Intrasexual Competition and Mothers: Perceptions of Those Who Self-promote and Derogate Their Rivals
Author(s)
Hill, T., & Fisher, M. L.
Abstract
It has been previously demonstrated that women who utilize the competitor derogation strategy (which requires fierce and explicit tactics to secure resources) are perceived more negatively than those who utilize the self-promoting strategy (which includes subtler tactics to secure resources). Some of these resources are directly related to and for the benefit of a woman’s offspring. However, it remains unknown how women who use these strategies for accessing resources for their offspring are perceived by potential rivals (other females) and potential mates (males). We propose that mothers who derogate their competition (other mothers) will be seen more negatively than those who self-promote. Using a pre-post study design, female participants rated 12 mothers’ photographs for attractiveness, competency as a mother, and personality. In the pre-condition participants rated the woman in the photograph, while in the post-condition the participants rated her after being told the woman made a ‘Facebook post’ containing maternal competitor derogation or self-promotion. Differences in pre-post ratings were calculated, with change presumably caused by strategy use. Results indicate women who promote their maternal competency via self-promotion are perceived to be less likeable compared to baseline ratings, and women who derogate their competition are perceived less positively on the majority of attributes.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59077/IFLC8777
How to cite this article:
Hill, T., & Fisher, M. L. (2019). Intrasexual competition and mothers: Perceptions of those who self-promote and derogate their rivals. The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium, 10, Sp. Iss. (1), 66-77.
