Assertiveness: A Flaw or Virtue?

Assertiveness can be defined as one’s ability to advocate for themselves and to confidently express their thoughts/actions. In most situations, such as academics and the workplace, assertiveness is promoted and even complimented by peers and authoritative figures. However, studies show that this skill is not always appreciated, depending on the speaker’s gender identity (Assertiveness and Communication, n.d.). Though one may assume that assertive comments and suggestions would have the same impact on someone, regardless of the speaker’s identity, current research shows contrasting results.

Psychology studies have noted that leadership traits like assertiveness can fall victim to gender biases. By defining traits as masculine or feminine, society can create stereotypes and become judgmental if they are not followed. For instance, assertiveness is presumed to be more masculine, which can cause womxn to be perceived as pushy, “extra”, narcissistic, or even dictating. These assumptions are tied to leadership theory, where womxn are considered better leaders when they display traits like assertiveness, yet they will encounter consequences that men typically do not experience. For instance, a 2008 study demonstrated the income and status advantages that men experienced after showing assertiveness through anger, meanwhile, women were punished with lower wages and status for the same behaviour (Menzies, n.d.). Differences in punishments and rewards across gender for the same behaviour can cause womxn to conform to society’s stereotypes, which can then re-affirm one’s biases - resulting in a continuous cycle that restrains womxn.

Overall, these viewpoints can be applied to workplaces, academics, social gatherings, and other activities or extracurriculars. As the negative connotations that are associated with womxn displaying assertiveness can inhibit self-expression and even prevent womxn from gaining certain opportunities. Therefore, as members of a community, we should aim to be more conscious of our gender biases and slowly work towards reducing this gender disparity by promoting thought expression and leadership opportunities for each member of one’s community. Providing these chances to exhibit assertiveness will allow individuals to practice these skills and become more confident to use them in other settings, such as the workplace (which may be male dominating), etc. All in all, it’s important to recognize the biases we hold within ourselves, whether that is due to cultural differences or historical patterns, to better support and understand others.

Written by Harshdeep Dhaliwal

Edited by Sinead George

References:

Assertiveness and Communication. (n.d.). Ottawa Depression Algorithm.

https://ottawadepressionalgorithm.ca/en/content?id=63

Menzies, F. (n.d.). Gender Bias at Work: The Assertiveness Double-Bind. Include-

Empower.com. https://cultureplusconsulting.com/2018/03/10/gender-bias-work-assertiveness-double-bind/