[Mz]

I am a woman. I have been in plenty of groups which are mostly female. If there is a single male, he tends to become the central figure with the most social influence. Women will turn into backstabbing bitches to compete for who gets to align themselves with the sole male.

I do not engage in such behavior. Commenting on its existence tends to not go over well with anyone, male or female. I have often been the sole woman willing to stand up to such a man in a largely female group. It is a great way to make enemies all around.

I am sure there are complex social reasons for such patterns. This is probably not the time or place to discuss it. I am only trying to suggest that a good reason to have some "ladies only" groups is because of the way a lot of women behave around men, not because of the way men behave around women or because "men are all sexist pigs".

If this works for some women to help them have a healthier relationship to their career goals, I think it's a good thing.

[int3]

Isn't the effect true regardless of which direction the gender imbalance is in? I.e. if there's a female in a male-dominated group, she tends to end up with more social influence as the guys compete for her.

[Mz]

No, I don't think so. A lone female who acts dominant (or even "equal"), socially, gets in serious hot water. BTDT.