# Neural markers of social dominance: A female-focused perspective

## TL;DR

This study shows that neural markers of social dominance are similar in dominant females and males, challenging previous assumptions about gender differences in social hierarchies.

## Contribution

The study reveals that neural markers of dominance in females mirror those in males, suggesting shared neurobiological traits.

## Key findings

- Dominant females show higher N2/P2 EEG components similar to dominant males.
- N2/P2 is a stable trait marker of dominance, not influenced by social context.
- Findings suggest shared neural mechanisms of dominance across genders.

## Abstract

Social interactions are fundamental to human life, with social dominance being a key factor in these interactions. Previous studies have shown that dominant males are faster in decision-making tasks compared to non-dominant ones, even in the absence of a social context such as competition. Additionally, dominant males exhibit a significantly higher N2/P2 EEG component, which is an inherent trait rather than a state marker of dominance. While it has been suggested that social hierarchies are more pronounced among males, recent findings challenge this notion. Here, we show that the N2/P2 component is also higher in dominant than in less dominant females, with similar amplitude and latency as their male counterparts. Our results suggest that women exhibit dominance-related neurobiological traits similar to men. Our findings underscore the importance of further investigating the socio-cultural and environmental factors that contribute to gender disparities in social hierarchies.

•Social dominance is a stable personality trait•Specific EEG components serve as reliable neural markers of dominance•Neural dominance markers in females mirror those found in males

Social dominance is a stable personality trait

Specific EEG components serve as reliable neural markers of dominance

Neural dominance markers in females mirror those found in males

Neuroscience; Behavioral neuroscience; Cognitive neuroscience