There is some research indicating that people, who acquire power, wealth, and/or influence, sometimes fall victim to self-affirmation fallacies that reduce their empathy with others, especially subordinate or relatively powerless others. This is explored int he work of Paul Piff and others. It may be that this is not just a class problem, justifying exploitation of the poor, but also an issue among men and women, even in places like academics and other places of employment. With exploring, perhaps.
Helga, thank you for this. Very interesting, and I will check out the work of Paul Piff for sure. A corollary to what you say is that power, wealth and influence, especially associated with men, might foster illusions about how attractive they are to women in general and women they target in particular. While it is ultimately about expressing that power, as many have pointed out, doing it in a sexual manner often seems to be a key part of the abuse.
Yes. That was what I wondered as well. In another context, this makes me wonder about the use of rape in warfare. This is so consistently an expression of power as well.
There is some research indicating that people, who acquire power, wealth, and/or influence, sometimes fall victim to self-affirmation fallacies that reduce their empathy with others, especially subordinate or relatively powerless others. This is explored int he work of Paul Piff and others. It may be that this is not just a class problem, justifying exploitation of the poor, but also an issue among men and women, even in places like academics and other places of employment. With exploring, perhaps.
Helga, thank you for this. Very interesting, and I will check out the work of Paul Piff for sure. A corollary to what you say is that power, wealth and influence, especially associated with men, might foster illusions about how attractive they are to women in general and women they target in particular. While it is ultimately about expressing that power, as many have pointed out, doing it in a sexual manner often seems to be a key part of the abuse.
Yes. That was what I wondered as well. In another context, this makes me wonder about the use of rape in warfare. This is so consistently an expression of power as well.
Oh.. and here is a documentary on Piff's research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuqGrz-Y_Lc