Nothing quite gets under our skin like when we feel like someone thinks they’re better than us. But yet, the odds are that you think you’re better than the average person.

Today we’re talking superiority. We’ll explore how humans evolved to rank each other and dig into the theories on why we tend to put ourselves higher in those rankings. We’ll also look at what happens when that feeling of superiority goes too far.

All to answer to our rude question: Do you think you’re better than me, or something?

That’s what’s coming your way today, on Impolite Society.

Email us your impolite questions at [email protected] and visit our website for info about the show and your hosts Laura and Rachel.

SOURCES:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201703/why-some-people-think-theyre-superior

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_rank_theory 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5494206/#R89

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5494206/#R6 

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2012.00123/full

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230726570_The_better-than-average_effect

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6029792/

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-43182-001

https://www.livescience.com/26914-why-we-are-all-above-average.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/03/a-hidden-problem-at-the-heart-of-psychopathy/555335/

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-difference-between-a-narcissist-and-a-sociopath-5181518 

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-sociopath-380184 

Got your own thoughts? Text them to Impolite Society!

Support the show

Text Rachel and Laura your rude thoughts or email us at [email protected]. Visit our website for info about the show, your hosts, and where to find us online. If you'd like to support the show, visit us on Buy Me a Coffee- every little bit helps!