Have you ever heard the phrase 'if I can't have it, neither can you'? This statement perfectly captures the essence of what is known as 'crab mentality'.
This term refers to a kind of negative social comparison that leads individuals to pull down others who are perceived to be at the same or higher level of success or achievement. It stems from the scientific phenomenon that occurs if a group of crabs are placed in a bucket. One solitary crab could easily escape by climbing up the sides of the bucket, however, when placed in a bucket in a group, the other crabs will pull that crab down, preventing it from escaping and ensuring that everyone remains in the same situation.
Crab mentality is unfortunately a common occurrence in human behaviour and can be observed in various aspects of life, from the workplace to personal relationships. The underlying motivation is often jealousy or insecurity, as individuals feel threatened by the success of others and try to tear them down to feel better about themselves.
Crab mentality can manifest in a number of ways in human social settings. Some examples are:
Gossiping: One of the most common forms is gossiping, where individuals spread rumours and negative information about someone else, often with the intention of damaging their reputation or relationships. Malicious gossiping is a red flag that someone may have a crab mentality, since it shows a distinct lack of respect for others and can create toxic environments as trust is betrayed and others lose confidence in those around them.
Sabotage: Another form of crab mentality is sabotage, where individuals actively work to undermine the efforts or success of others. This can take the form of withholding information, spreading false rumours, or intentionally causing problems. This behaviour is usually motivated by jealousy or the desire to gain superiority in the eyes of others. It often occurs within workplaces, leading to decreased morale, increased stress, and a toxic work environment.
Competition: In some cases, crab mentality can arise as a result of competition between individuals, particularly when some of the individuals work from a fixed mindset. Healthy competition is an unavoidable and constructive part of the human social experience and drives imagination, problem solving and the attainment of excellence, but when individuals compete from a fixed mindset of lack or insecurity, negative behaviours can emerge such as hoarding resources, not sharing information, or deliberately trying to undermine the success of others.
Jealousy: Jealousy is one of the most common drivers of crab mentality. Individuals may feel threatened by the success of others and try to bring them down as a way of making themselves feel better. This can often be subconscious and the individual may not even be aware that they feel jealous of others success, but their emotional response will suggest that they feel threatened or inadequate in comparison. This type of jealousy can be subtle and difficult to recognise, but it can still have a major impact on how the individual interacts with their friends and their own self-esteem.
Envy: Similar to jealousy, envy also drives crab mentality. Envy is a negative emotion that often leads people to behave in destructive ways, especially when they feel threatened by someone else's success or accomplishments. The assassination of Julius Caesar serves as an example of how destructive envy can be, even at the highest levels of society. When people allow their envy and fear to drive their actions, it can lead to violence, instability, and the destruction of those who are perceived as threats.
Negative Social Comparison: This is a classic fixed mindset symptom, where individuals compare themselves unfavourably to others and feel threatened by their success. This can lead to behaviours such as criticising or belittling others in order to feel superior. This is being endemic in modern society, with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Social media has made it easier than ever for people to compare themselves to others, as we are often exposed to carefully curated images of other people's lives, creating unrealistic standards. This often leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety which can easily develop into crab mentality. The ensuing resentment and bitterness towards others, makes it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Individuals feel constantly at odds with one another and are unwilling to cooperate or collaborate. Moreover, negative social comparison can lead to a competitive mindset, where individuals see their peers as rivals and feel the need to outdo them or prove themselves. This competitiveness can lead to feelings of aggression or hostility towards others and create an overall toxic social environment.
Fixed negative mindsets and the crab mentality behaviour often leads to decreased productivity, reduced morale, and a general sense of unhappiness among those involved in the social circle.
It has a damaging effect on the individual who is the target of this negative behaviour, often leading to feelings of low self-esteem, decreased confidence, and a loss of motivation. The individual may become discouraged and withdraw from social and professional interactions, which can impact their growth and success.
It is important to recognise the signs of crab mentality and to take steps to counteract its effects. Encouraging a positive and supportive environment, where individuals are celebrated for their achievements, fosters a more productive and happier community or workplace. Furthermore, building self-confidence and resilience can help individuals to resist the negative influence of crab mentality and to maintain focus on their goals and aspirations.
Look out for my next blog on ways to counteract the crabs in your life and free yourself from the negative influence of others. By recognising and combating the phenomenon, we can hope to achieve our full potential without being held back by others.
And of course, you can buy my hand drawn crab mentality sustainable apparel HERE to lead the conversation forward about this social phenomenon and support small ethical business at the same time. What better way to let the crabs around you know that you’re not willing to partake in the race to the bottom of the bucket?
Susan
Chief Lobster, Inkhorn Apparel
