Differences in men and women?

[Xarog]

To what extent do men and women differ from each other? Are the differences genetic, or are they merely social - or is it a mix? If it's a mix, which differences are genetic and which differences are social?

Discuss.

[Electrra]

okay this was my topic of discussion but i think perhaps what we should be discussing is should women and men be treated equally?

in other words, women and men are obviously different, both in biological makeup and relationship with the world (although I am sure we will debate the latter as I'm not 100% on that one) - but should they be treated differently because of that biological make-up and-so-forth?

[Syndyre]

I think the differences are at least mainly social, if not entirely. This can be partially seen in that as society becomes more accomodating both men and women are moving closer together in their actions and lifestyles.

[nthdimension]

Being treated equally does not necessarily mean being able to do the same things. It just means you should not be assumed to be able or not be able to do something just because you are male or female.

Over time we should get a better idea of nature versus nurture.

We've actually come a long way in the last 100 years. And I think we are continuing to improve things.

[Syndyre]

People generally obviously have different talents, skills, strengths,weaknesses etc. I just don't think that's determined by whether you're male or female.

[Skeptik]

The differences cannot be genetic because you combine genes to make children and you inherit about 50% from each parent.

A lot of it is social engineering from very young, right from when you dress your boy child in blue and girl in pink!

[Xarog]

But there does seem to be some very real genetic differences. Testosterone makes you more aggressive and it also stimulates the body into growing more muscle. On average a 30 year old woman and a 65 year old man have about the same strength. Given a direct physical competition (i.e. one where the winner isn't given an abstract result for a performance as in gymnastics), the chances are heavily in favour of a man winning instead of a woman.

While I definately think that men and women should have equal rights, one must also realise that if you're looking for a manual labourer, you're going to probably pick the man.

I don't think that men and women should be treated equally as in pretending that there are no differences between the two genders. I find it rather disturbing that despite all this "modern woman" claptrap, women in the working world (especially if they join the ratrace) are expected to behave like men.

[noxibox]

The differences cannot be genetic because you combine genes to make children and you inherit about 50% from each parent.

Of course they can be genetic. Females have two X chromosomes, males one X and one Y. This has a fundamental effect on outward physical attributes. It could just as easily make a difference to the way the brain functions.

[Syndyre]

A lot of it is social engineering from very young, right from when you dress your boy child in blue and girl in pink!

Exactly.

[Xarog]

So which differences are from genetics, and which differences are caused by social engineering?

[Skeptik]

But there does seem to be some very real genetic differences. Testosterone makes you more aggressive and it also stimulates the body into growing more muscle. On average a 30 year old woman and a 65 year old man have about the same strength. Given a direct physical competition (i.e. one where the winner isn't given an abstract result for a performance as in gymnastics), the chances are heavily in favour of a man winning instead of a woman.

While I definately think that men and women should have equal rights, one must also realise that if you're looking for a manual labourer, you're going to probably pick the man.

I don't think that men and women should be treated equally as in pretending that there are no differences between the two genders. I find it rather disturbing that despite all this "modern woman" claptrap, women in the working world (especially if they join the ratrace) are expected to behave like men.

Women have testosterone too. It's what makes them chase men
So are you saying that different people should not be treated equally, but should be given roles that suit their abilities.
i.e. instead of relaxing the fitness test for the SAS so that women can join, rather just prevent them from taking part in the field altogether - maybe just get them to type letters, cook the food etc.?

[Syndyre]

Clearly a lot of the physical differences are genetic. But physical strength is becoming less and less important in modern society.

[noxibox]

Women have testosterone too. It's what makes them chase men

Women have much less testosterone. Alcohol significantly raises their testosterone levels and simultaneously lowers their inhibitions - so they act a lot like men

So are you saying that different people should not be treated equally, but should be given roles that suit their abilities.
i.e. instead of relaxing the fitness test for the SAS so that women can join, rather just prevent them from taking part in the field altogether

Is that fitness requirement there for a reason? Is that the physical ability required by the work? If the answer is yes, then it should be left unchanged, but any woman who meets that requirement should be granted entry. They should not be barred from entry just because they are female. If on the other hand it is found that the requirement is much higher than necessary it could be lowered. Although I'd assume that would then grant entry to more men too and might not really change the male-female balance you'd get with a stricter requirement.

[Xarog]

Isn't the SAS more like the US Navy SEALS? If they're an elite unit I'd imagine that high entry requirements are to be expected. Anyone who lowers the requirements so that women can join is basically shooting themselves in the foot. Not exactly what you want to be doing to your elite combat troops.

[Skeptik]

Well they did it with the police and the Royal Marines.