How to explain the usage
WOMEN were harmed more by surface acting, meaning their mood worsened even more thanTHE MEN and they withdrew more from work.

Why does the author use WOMEN without using the difinite article THE but using the difinite article THE before men? Thank you!

Question

How to explain the usage
WOMEN were harmed more by surface acting, meaning their mood worsened even more thanTHE MEN and they withdrew more from work.

Why does the author use WOMEN without using the difinite article THE but using the difinite article THE before men? Thank you!

Answer

It's referring to women in general, not to any specific women in particular. Certain men didn't suffer as much, but the fact is emphasised that no matter who they were, if they were a woman then they were harmed more.

Answer

It's an error by the author. He should have use "the".