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comment by kurmit
kurmit  ·  4337 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: ALPHA MALE/FEMALE CONTROVERSY

I'm not an anthropologist, but my two cents: it's probably better not to take an extreme position on an issue unless you are also extremely well read on the subject (e.g. an anthropologist). Having not studied social groups or social theory (like your student), I'd be arrogant to make sweeping claims on this topic that involve the word "always" and leave no room for exception. So, your perspective is correct for two reasons: it is based on your own experience (the "collaborative sensibility" you point out) and the fact that yours is the more moderate, and therefore the more unassuming, of the two positions.