X X and XY: Gender Differences
I think it is reasonably hard to address an issue such as "gender differences" without stereotyping one or both genders. Also it is pretty hard to discuss this issue without getting in trouble. Example Given: Mr. Summers or Harvard University.
However, it has been my experience that there are (ON AVERAGE) differences between men and women. However, these differences are hard to quanitfy being that there are so many exceptions to the rule. That is, one could argue that there are degrees of gender identification. More specifically, gender identification lives on a continuum, not on opposite poles.
Let me break it down as I see it: If you had two objects, a pillow and an ax (for example) and allowed the quintessential female and the quintessential male to choose between these two objects, more than likely the female will choose the pillow and the male will choose the ax.
However, as I stated, there is such much variability in what it means to be Female or Male that most people (using the above scenario) would either (1) not care which object they received or (2) wouldn' want either one of them.
So, yes there are differences on average, but who in the hell actually IS average?
However, it has been my experience that there are (ON AVERAGE) differences between men and women. However, these differences are hard to quanitfy being that there are so many exceptions to the rule. That is, one could argue that there are degrees of gender identification. More specifically, gender identification lives on a continuum, not on opposite poles.
Let me break it down as I see it: If you had two objects, a pillow and an ax (for example) and allowed the quintessential female and the quintessential male to choose between these two objects, more than likely the female will choose the pillow and the male will choose the ax.
However, as I stated, there is such much variability in what it means to be Female or Male that most people (using the above scenario) would either (1) not care which object they received or (2) wouldn' want either one of them.
So, yes there are differences on average, but who in the hell actually IS average?
The human X chromosome, which women have two of and men only one, got its name because of all the puzzles it presented. But now, all those arguments about women and men could jump to a new level. A new article published last week in the journal Nature announced the sequencing of the X chromosome, and new insights into how it operates in women.
New research reveals that the X chromosome may be responsible not only for determining the female gender but also for the evolution of some of the most human of human traits: language, intelligence and culture.
LISTEN TO (alternative Windows Media link) a discussion about the latest scientific discoveries into the genetical differences of the sexes.
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