Let Me Mansplain: Studies Reveal Impact of Condescension
Being on the receiving end of condescension can be more than just irritating – it can actually have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. Recent studies have revealed the power of condescension and how it can cause us to experience feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and rage.
What is Condescension?
Condescension is defined as a patronizing, snide, or haughty attitude, typically towards others seen as being inferior intellectually or socially. The act implies that someone else is not good enough and is an expression of contempt.
The Impact of Condescension
Studies have shown that when faced with condescension, individuals tend to respond in different ways. The most common reactions include:
- Feeling humiliated or ashamed
- Becoming overwhelmed with rage
- Experiencing lower self-esteem
- Having a harder time expressing yourself
Being on the receiving end of condescension can cause significant distress and could potentially even lead to physical health problems. The effects of these negative emotions can affect the body in many ways and can even cause us to develop different types of illnesses.
Coping with Condescension
The good news is, there are ways to cope with condescension and the negative feelings that come with it. Here are some tips on how to best handle this situation:
- Remind yourself that the other person’s opinion does not define your worth
- Take a few deep breaths to calm down before responding
- Set boundaries and explain clearly that the behavior is not acceptable
- Focus on what you can control – how you react and how you feel about the situation
Being on the receiving end of condescension can be difficult to cope with and can make you feel frustrated or powerless. But understanding the impact of condescension can help you learn to recognize when someone is being condescending to you and how best to respond. The term ‘mansplaining’ is widely talked about and has become a part of many conversations over the years. It is not only a relevant topic of discussion, but could also have a much more significant implication than people might realize. According to recent studies, it has been revealed that condescension, particularly among men, can have a substantial impact on the way people respond to an argument or discussion.
Mansplaining is typically defined as when a man explains something to a woman in an overly simplified and condescending manner, as if she was not capable of understanding it on her own. It is an act of arrogance, sexism and disrespect. Unfortunately, it is not a rare occurrence and can be found almost everywhere from boardrooms to everyday conversations.
Most recently, a study conducted by a group of researchers from University of San Diego revealed that the conversational style of condescension can hinder a woman’s ability to assert her authority or disagree with a man. This has tangible effects, as it can lead to incorrect information being perpetuated and a woman’s voice going unheard.
The findings of this study underscore the need for more education around topics of gender and respect. Women must be taught to recognize when they are being mansplained to and should not be conditioned to remain silent in order to avoid conflict. Men should also be encouraged to learn more about what mansplaining is, and why it is wrong. Until topics such as this are discussed more openly and freely, it is unlikely to have the positive outcome the world needs.
In the end, it is essential for people to be aware of how their communication impacts others. The act of mansplaining can be debilitating for a woman’s authority and credibility, as well as reflect poorly on the man himself. Consequently, it is necessary for us all to remember that respect and civility should be the primary factor in any conversation.
