Received ideas about “feminine” and “masculine” emotions have long influenced our behavior and our relationships.
- Women are often attributed with qualities like intuition or empathy, while men are associated with strength and rationality.
- But in reality, there are no fundamental biological differences that predetermine brain use in men and women.
- Encouraging education that values the expression of emotions in all, from a young age, can have a profound impact. For example, teaching a boy that crying is not a sign of weakness but of humanity, or reminding a girl that her anger is legitimate, can change these rigid norms.
For centuries, preconceived ideas about men and women have shaped our societies. Women are often attributed with qualities like intuition or empathy, while men are associated with strength and rationality. These stereotypes, although partly derived from social constructions, sometimes find roots in biological or neurological differences.
Are there biological differences between the sexes?
Contrary to popular belief, there are no fundamental biological differences that predetermine brain use in men and women. While some studies have observed general trends, such as slightly different use of gray and white matter between the sexes, these distinctions are neither universal nor rigid.
In reality, human brains are much more similar than different, and their functioning depends more on individual factors, such as education, life experience or even cultural context. These alleged brain differences, often exaggerated or misinterpreted, do not reflect a fixed biological truth but adaptations to environments and gendered roles.
A story of cultural conditioning
For centuries, society has valued different qualities in men and women. Men are often seen as rational and stoic, while women are portrayed as sensitive and emotional. These expectations influence not only how we perceive the emotions of others, but also how we express them.
If an angry man is often perceived as “assertive”, a woman in the same state is sometimes considered “hysterical” (a term which is no longer used by professionals). It’s these judgments that can dampen men’s emotional expression and put more pressure on women to be consistently gentle and understanding.
Overcome stereotypes to communicate better
The key to overcoming these divisions lies in understanding and communication. It is crucial to recognize that neither men nor women are limited to only certain emotions. Everyone can experience sadness, anger, fear or joy, regardless of gender.
Encouraging education that values the expression of emotions in all, from a young age, can have a profound impact. For example, teaching a boy that crying is not a sign of weakness but of humanity, or reminding a girl that her anger is legitimate, can change these rigid norms.
Find out more: “Brain and gender stereotypes: How to make biology say what it doesn’t say” by Odile Fillod and Élisabeth Feytit.
