Man is jealous because of his amour propre; woman is jealous because of her lack of it

Man is jealous because of his amour propre; woman is jealous because of her lack of it

Germaine Greer, a prominent feminist writer and activist, has long been a vocal critic of traditional gender roles and societal expectations placed on men and women. In her work, she often delves into the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which gender dynamics can shape our behavior and emotions. One of the most intriguing concepts she explores is the idea that jealousy manifests differently in men and women due to their differing senses of self-worth.

Greer argues that men are often driven to jealousy by their "amour propre," a term coined by French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau to describe a person's sense of self-love and self-esteem. Men, according to Greer, are socialized to derive their worth from external sources such as success, power, and status. As a result, they may feel threatened when their partner interacts with other men or achieves success in their own right, as it challenges their own sense of superiority and self-worth.

On the other hand, Greer suggests that women are more likely to experience jealousy due to their perceived lack of "amour propre." Women, she argues, are often socialized to derive their self-worth from their relationships and the approval of others. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, particularly when faced with competition from other women or when their partner shows interest in someone else. Women may feel jealous not only of their partner's attention but also of other women who they perceive as more attractive, successful, or desirable.

Greer's analysis of jealousy in men and women sheds light on the ways in which gender norms and societal expectations can shape our emotions and behavior. By challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, she encourages us to rethink the ways in which we define ourselves and our worth. Ultimately, Greer's work reminds us that jealousy is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can reveal much about our own insecurities and desires.