This form of disengagement does not seem to apply in circumstances where there are no particular ‘facts of the matter’ that are being waited for and no ‘resolution of the matter’ that would provide clear conclusions either way. That being the case it struck me as out of place posturing.
You’re right. I was thinking of anecdotes, which aren’t facts, and shouldn’t be used as highly-valued evidence in most scenarios, like this one. Regardless, it was still posturing; thanks for calling me out on it.
My main point wasn’t about power imbalances, but the social dynamics influenced by those imbalances. Honor among gentlemen in 17th century England was only important insofar as a man’s reputation. Thus, outside of those who may be internally motivated by an honorable system of ethics (like Eddard Stark), reputation was the main factor responsible for enforcing gentlemanly honor. I posit that repuation matters more among those that have a lot to lose, but little to gain: exempli gratia an established criminal or the Earl of Essex.
If one has little reputation to begin with, and is of little means, then it is advantageous to connive one’s way into more power. As winning glory and honor for their family through battle or refined arts has in the past been largely outside the realm of accepted female activity, conniving was naturally a reasonable course of action. The same would be true of a London mudlark with grand ambitions—regardless of their sex.
In our day, honorable conduct in business is critical as often one’s reputation will be the deciding factor in whether another will enter into a business arrangement. This is much moreso the case among starting professionals, who might take it as a sign of distrust and be affronted if presented with NDA’s and non-compete forms before even hearing the proposal.
Positive reputation is largely built up by acting ‘honorably’. I think this is equally the case among women now as it is among men. Thus, agreements made and understandings reached that are founded upon that honor might be called gentleman’s agreements and womanly understandings.
To clarify, the above is why I think using a term such as ‘womanly understanding’ is sound, and why I think the term represents occurences that have basis in reality. I just want to know whether anyone’s heard of it before. Also, yes, I know you were initially referring to past cultural dynamics—sorry I didn’t make that clearer earlier.
You’re right. I was thinking of anecdotes, which aren’t facts, and shouldn’t be used as highly-valued evidence in most scenarios, like this one. Regardless, it was still posturing; thanks for calling me out on it.
My main point wasn’t about power imbalances, but the social dynamics influenced by those imbalances. Honor among gentlemen in 17th century England was only important insofar as a man’s reputation. Thus, outside of those who may be internally motivated by an honorable system of ethics (like Eddard Stark), reputation was the main factor responsible for enforcing gentlemanly honor. I posit that repuation matters more among those that have a lot to lose, but little to gain: exempli gratia an established criminal or the Earl of Essex.
If one has little reputation to begin with, and is of little means, then it is advantageous to connive one’s way into more power. As winning glory and honor for their family through battle or refined arts has in the past been largely outside the realm of accepted female activity, conniving was naturally a reasonable course of action. The same would be true of a London mudlark with grand ambitions—regardless of their sex.
In our day, honorable conduct in business is critical as often one’s reputation will be the deciding factor in whether another will enter into a business arrangement. This is much moreso the case among starting professionals, who might take it as a sign of distrust and be affronted if presented with NDA’s and non-compete forms before even hearing the proposal.
Positive reputation is largely built up by acting ‘honorably’. I think this is equally the case among women now as it is among men. Thus, agreements made and understandings reached that are founded upon that honor might be called gentleman’s agreements and womanly understandings.
To clarify, the above is why I think using a term such as ‘womanly understanding’ is sound, and why I think the term represents occurences that have basis in reality. I just want to know whether anyone’s heard of it before. Also, yes, I know you were initially referring to past cultural dynamics—sorry I didn’t make that clearer earlier.