Men and women are different. They have different physiques, different reproductive organs, and to some extent, different brains.
There are good reasons for these differences. We humans have evolved into niches, ascending our metaphorical peaks on "Mount Improbable." Men, in terms of population stability, are more expendable. They are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, often to some benefit (in more primitive times, that is; in modern times, adrenaline and recklessness tend to create danger with little compensation). Women are those with the necessary organs for bearing children, and consequently have become specialized to care for them in early life.
The concept of gender is deeply rooted in our psyche. That does not make it "right" or "wrong." It just is that way because that is the construct that helped us survive best throughout most of human history. Some would argue that it should still be adhered to today. I do not agree with that, but on the other hand, I do not think that those who are most comfortable with instinctual gender roles should be shunned as archaic or unenlightened, any more than people should be rebuked for liking the taste of sugar.
Since our societies have become industrialized and relatively non-selective, the natural shift away from the preference for gender roles has occurred in spurts, as various age-old ideologies have had to be dramatically overturned. Our modern sophistication in these matters can be summed up by one major revelation: although men and women are different, when it comes to psychology, they differ much more from others of their own sex than the sexes differ from each other. The differences that we see between the sexes are only on average, not absolute. That is why it is incorrect and distasteful to make judgments about a person's character based on his or her sex. Our concept of gender has permeated our perceptions in ways that are no longer helpful, and are frequently harmful.
In summation, I think we should not be afraid to examine the differences written in our genes. The more we understand about such things, the better. But out of respect for individual autonomy, and in recognition of statistics, we should not apply to specific people what we have learned about genders. An average of half the world's population will not describe a person.
That's all.
There are good reasons for these differences. We humans have evolved into niches, ascending our metaphorical peaks on "Mount Improbable." Men, in terms of population stability, are more expendable. They are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, often to some benefit (in more primitive times, that is; in modern times, adrenaline and recklessness tend to create danger with little compensation). Women are those with the necessary organs for bearing children, and consequently have become specialized to care for them in early life.
The concept of gender is deeply rooted in our psyche. That does not make it "right" or "wrong." It just is that way because that is the construct that helped us survive best throughout most of human history. Some would argue that it should still be adhered to today. I do not agree with that, but on the other hand, I do not think that those who are most comfortable with instinctual gender roles should be shunned as archaic or unenlightened, any more than people should be rebuked for liking the taste of sugar.
Since our societies have become industrialized and relatively non-selective, the natural shift away from the preference for gender roles has occurred in spurts, as various age-old ideologies have had to be dramatically overturned. Our modern sophistication in these matters can be summed up by one major revelation: although men and women are different, when it comes to psychology, they differ much more from others of their own sex than the sexes differ from each other. The differences that we see between the sexes are only on average, not absolute. That is why it is incorrect and distasteful to make judgments about a person's character based on his or her sex. Our concept of gender has permeated our perceptions in ways that are no longer helpful, and are frequently harmful.
In summation, I think we should not be afraid to examine the differences written in our genes. The more we understand about such things, the better. But out of respect for individual autonomy, and in recognition of statistics, we should not apply to specific people what we have learned about genders. An average of half the world's population will not describe a person.
That's all.
