Capable women are seen as hostile but men aren’t

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

A study led by University College London researchers found that highly intelligent women are often perceived as more hostile, receive less support, and experience greater mistreatment at work compared to equally capable men. This highlights persistent gender biases linked to traditional norms, suggesting a need for workplace policies that counteract negative stereotypes and promote fairness.

A recent study highlights differing workplace perceptions of women and men based on cognitive ability, revealing that highly capable women are often viewed less favorably than their male counterparts. The research, conducted by a team including Dr. Nitya Chawla from University College London, analyzed data from over 800 individuals working in 140 teams. Participants completed cognitive ability assessments and provided ratings of their colleagues on factors such as perceived hostility, supportiveness, and general treatment in the workplace.

The findings indicate that women with high cognitive ability are more likely to be seen as hostile by their peers, receive less assistance, and report experiencing greater mistreatment on the job. In contrast, men with similar levels of intelligence did not face these disadvantages and, in some cases, reported receiving increased support from colleagues. This disparity suggests that competence in women may trigger negative social responses that are not equally applied to men.

Researchers suggest that these differing reactions are connected to traditional gender expectations. Women who demonstrate strong intellectual capabilities may be perceived as violating social norms regarding femininity, which can result in a backlash or reduced collegiality. This dynamic might help explain why prominent female leaders such as Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton have often been labeled as unlikeable despite their widely recognized professional effectiveness.

Dr. Chawla emphasized that intelligence carries contrasting interpersonal consequences for women and men, underscoring the complexity of social dynamics in professional environments. The study's publication in the Journal of Applied Psychology provides empirical support for the idea that gender biases continue to shape how competence is received and rewarded in the workplace.

While the research sheds light on challenges faced by capable women, it also points to the need for continued efforts to address implicit biases and foster equitable treatment across genders. Understanding these patterns can inform organizational policies and cultural changes aimed at reducing negative stereotypes and promoting inclusive professional environments.

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