Queen Bees and RMGs

Multiple studies have found a positive link between relational aggression levels and “popularity” among adolescent girls.  “Popular,” in this context, did not equate to “well-liked.”  The meaning seemed to be closer to the adult concepts “influential” and “prominent” with the overtones of “powerful” inherent in those terms. [5] Furthermore, researchers have found that relational aggressiveness is a predictor of future popularity among girls. [6]

So the widespread image of the aggressive girl—the malicious, socially adroit Queen Bee, surrounded by her retinue of followers—is more than a favored villain in Hollywood comedies about adolescent girls.  She’s a reality, a predictable (if not particularly laudable) product of uncounted generations of societal development and millions of years of evolution.

Her clique is both the confirmation of her status and a means of maintaining it.  Through her followers, she can spread the gossip, slanders and embarrassing secrets with which she undermines the reputations, social acceptance and confidence of her victims. Even her followers aren’t immune from attack.  Like all tyrannies, the basis of her power is fear and insecurity. Indeed, the followers of a ruthless Queen Bee may be at particular risk because the exclusivity of the clique leaves members with few outside friends to turn to if they are expelled from the clique. [7]