QUEEN BEE

What Does Quuen Bee Mean?

The Quick Answer

Queen Bee means "Top Female in a Group."

More Detail...

Both online and offline, "queen bee" is a term used to refer to the dominant female in a group of friends. It is based on the fact that there is only one queen in a hive of bees, to which all other bees are subservient. "Queen Bee Syndrome" is a term that originated from a 1973 study by G.L. Staines, T.E. Jayaratne, and C. Tavris, and it's used to describe a woman in a position of authority who views or treats subordinates more critically if they are female. This phenomenon is particularly noted in workplaces and is often seen as a reflection of gender dynamics. The term is derived from the behavioral characteristics of a queen bee in a hive. The queen is the dominant, reproductive female in the colony and the only female that can reproduce. She has control over the other bees in the hive, similar to how a woman in a powerful position would theoretically have control over her subordinates in the workplace. "Queen Bee Syndrome" is the subject of much debate and not all researchers or professionals agree on its prevalence or impact. Some argue that the behavior is a result of systemic sexism and pressures that women face in the workplace, rather than inherent characteristics of women in power. Furthermore, others point out that focusing on such individual behaviors may distract from the broader issues of gender inequality in the workplace.