I don't see what that has to do with pearl clutching. I entirely understand that people are ok "conceding" for political reasons, in order to further their care

I don't see what that has to do with pearl clutching. I entirely understand that people are ok "conceding" for political reasons, in order to further their career or "keep the social peace". That is different than admitting that you are wrong (you are not). I very much prefer to stand by my professional opinion (as in, I am professional about my craft), and not compromise, even if it has career consequences. This is not "wrong", nor "pearl clutching". I just operate in a different context. and am not antagonistic either. What is however antagonistic and bullying is being so certain that what I care about is "wrong" and "pearl clutching" and dysfunctional. The stated goal of a company is to build a product that generates revenue. At an individual level you might want to play a different game, and make the person you report to look good so you can score your next promotion. I don't really care about scoring my next promotion. What I care about is building good products, and don't see why I would "concede" and compromise on my skill building said products. Otherwise, where do I draw the line? Do I just concede as soon as someone disagrees with me? After 5 minutes? If it's my manager? If the person is taller than me? If they are louder? If they start calling me a pearl clutcher? I might do it once or twice, sure. But then I'll walk.