The more hierarchical the setting, the more likely people are to be passive-aggressive. I can definitely see this. I wrote about it from the perspective of organized religion (which is very hierarchical) but it certainly applies to the larger society as well. If you are blocked from overt power, you may try to obtain it in surreptitious ways. Greater partnership is the best antidote.

The More Religious You Are, The More Likely You Are To Be Passive-Aggressive