Much of what counts for science that has to do with human beings comes from talking to people about their experiences and then using that data to synthesize a theory. For example, Brene Brown is the world leading expert on shame and vulnerability. Her scientific studies consist of talking to people and seeing what patterns emerge from the raw data.

In my piece, I took 17 years of my own pervasive experience and saw what emerged from that. I put that raw data through the lens of an established social science dynamic to reach my conclusion. I did not claim that it was anything other than that.