Chapter 13
WOMEN & MEN:
Gender Issues/ Differences
The following excerpt (the first of eleven excerpts from this chapter about women & men) is from the self help psychology book, Be Your Own Therapist.
Our Masculine-Feminine Misconceptions
Clearly women and men are different at genetic levels (such as
X and Y chromosomes) and carry different sexual equipment. But
beyond those obvious differences, I believe much of our societal
thinking remains flawed concerning male-female and
feminine-masculine characteristics. Sensitivity used to be
considered feminine and competitiveness was considered
masculine. Today some believe that we all have equal capacities
for such traits as sensitivity and competitiveness. This newer
belief also seems flawed and causes distress for many.
| Women and men think very differently, on average. They seem to prefer different sides of the brain.
|
We would all be happier if we believed that all so-called
masculine and feminine characteristics such as left/ right brain
thinking, intuition, physical activities, vulnerability,
competitiveness, anger, grief, nurturing abilities, etc. were
possible characteristics for everyone. I would agree that anyone
who totally denies any of these traits is not fulfilling his/
her potential (probably in response to early training and
trauma). That does not imply, however, in some hypothetical
perfect society that women and men would display equal
quantities or qualities of these characteristics. Instead, there
is much evidence to suggest that there are inherent tendencies
caused by hormones and genes that promote or inhibit these
qualities.
Next Excerpt 
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Its name is Public Opinion. It is held in reverence. It settles everything. Some think it is the voice of God... Mark Twain 1925 |
More Excerpts @ Gender Issues
WOMEN & MEN: OUR MASCULINE-FEMININE MISCONCEPTIONS
I WANT A CHEESE SANDWICH
MEN DON'T LISTEN; MEN DON'T COMMUNICATE
LEFT BRAIN - RIGHT BRAIN
THE HOUSEWORK BATTLEFIELD
FRIENDS BETTER KNOW THEIR ROLES
SUPPORT MAY BE DANGEROUS TO RELATIONSHIPS
THE INSENSITIVITY OF MEN
THE SAGA OF JOHN DOE (white male, average guy)
THE INSENSITIVITY OF WOMEN
FEMINISTS ARE A DIVERSE GROUP
This Chapter's Quiz
Book Table of Contents
Sexual Education Psychology
WOMEN & MEN: OUR MASCULINE-FEMININE MISCONCEPTIONS © 1995-2004