Mean

A fascinating research-based guide to understanding the evolutionary history behind women’s competitive nature with one another, why it’s holding us back, and how we can reshape the culture that divides us. For generations, women have endured frenemies, workplace saboteurs, and the subtle warfare of gossip—behavior often overlooked yet deeply harmful. Mean offers long-overdue validation for those invisible wounds and the social dynamics behind them. Blending science-backed research with relatable storytelling, research psychologist Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt examines the hidden forces shaping female aggression. She unpacks the “Queen Bee” phenomenon, the effects of social pain, the biological roots of why women fight dirty, and much more. You’ll learn to recognize the mechanisms of strategic indirect aggression, from backhanded compliments to the exclusion of rivals. Mean also explores how patriarchal systems have forced women into a scarcity mindset, making them feel they must tear each other down to survive. You’ll find real-life examples that illustrate how these dynamics play out, ranging from the public shaming of women in the media to heartbreaking stories of teenage bullying and coworker betrayal. But this isn’t just an analysis of the problem. It is a call-to-action providing insights for recognizing toxic patterns, resisting moral disengagement, and promoting psychological safety. It challenges you to examine your own complicity and move from competition toward collaboration. Mean is an essential guide for any woman ready to understand the “why” behind our aggression and how we can finally break the cycle.

Tracy Vaillancourt, PhD is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and professor of psychology at the University of Ottawa. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a competitive soccer coach.