Differences between man woman, reality or myth?

Differences between man woman, reality or myth?

The men are from Mars and the women from Venus, what is true in this expression? We know that men and women are capable of the same things, but what does science say about what really sets us apart?

The differences between man and woman are from the anatomical plane more than obvious. Now, what is beyond the physical realm? What happens if we enter other scenarios such as neuroscience or behavioral psychology? If there is something we all know is that, culturally, we have spent decades and even centuries accustomed to establishing not only a clear difference between sexes but also, placing masculinity on a clear axis of superiority.

Thus, aspects such as force, ingenuity or intellect have always been those virtues associated with the masculine. On the other hand, dimensions such as affectivity, emotion, intuition or care have been linked to the feminine for a long time. Fortunately, advances in gender equality are progressing; so that we can already see women holding positions of power in the public sphere and men dealing with tasks such as raising children in the most intimate sphere.

In this way, we could say without mistake that what men are from Mars and women from Venus, has important nuances. It is true that we differ in several aspects (more than we even think) but there are also many things that unite us in equal capacity. Let's see, however, what science tells us about these differences between men and women.

“Don't you think being curious is much more important than being similar? Because we are different we can enjoy the fun of exchanging worlds and giving each other our love and enthusiasm. ”

-Richard Bach-

Differences between male and female

From neuroscience, genetics and evolutionary biology, as well as through recent studies on transsexuality, they point out something we must accept: there are clear psychological differences between men and women. Beyond those already evident regarding sex and the field of biology, there is undoubtedly that often controversial but always interesting scenario.

As a curiosity, it should be noted that the study of differences between men and women is a subject that already has several centuries of work. It was in fact Charles Darwin, with books like The Descent of Man, and Selection in relation to sex (1871) where this issue was addressed for the first time in a scientific way.

Let us know below what are the most obvious differences between genders.

Brain differences

When studying the differences between female and male brains, scientists are based on addressing four very specific areas: processing, chemistry, structure, and activity. Thus, studies such as that carried out by Dr. Dardo Tomasi, from the University of Florence, indicate the following:

Substance grey and substance white

The male brain uses almost seven times more gray matter than female brains. Now, the female brain, meanwhile, uses almost ten times more white matter. The reason? Gray matter helps us focus on a specific task in a focused way. White matter allows you to be attentive to many more stimuli. Something like this shows why women are, on average, more skilled in multitasking.

Hippocampus and information processing

Women usually have a larger hippocampus, which makes it easier for them to process and remember better data related to emotions. Likewise, the female brain also usually has verbal centers in both cerebral hemispheres, while men have a greater number only in the left hemisphere. This causes, for example, that they sometimes have greater limitations in facilitating more emotional communication.

Larger brain with greater pain tolerance

Men also have a larger brain than women. This data is related to the fact that the male gender has a larger body size than the female gender. Likewise, and as a curious fact, it should be noted that men tolerate pain better than women. The neural centers related to this dimension have greater resistance.

Behavioral differences

The differences between men and women are also evident in the behavioral field. Somehow, experience already tells us that sometimes we act, decide and react very differently, and this is something that catches our attention. Let's see more data.

We communicate differently

We pointed out a moment ago: the female brain has a greater ability to process emotional universes. This makes them, on average, more skilled at communicating emotions. Thus, experts in the field such as linguist Deborah Tannen points out that women are effective in creating intimacy and alliances.

Men, on the other hand, are more determined when communicating to maintain their autonomy and enhance their social position.

Men are more skilled at making risk decisions

In a study on decision-making conducted by gender-differentiated by Dr. Judith E. Larkin (2003), it was shown that men tend to have a greater tendency to make risk decisions than women. They are on average more impulsive.

Women are more sensitive to stress

In another work published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, it was shown that women are twice as likely to suffer stress than men.

The doctor and neuroscientist Rita Valentino explained in this study that the female brain is more sensitive to the hormone corticotropin (CRF). Men, meanwhile, resist (on average) much better pressure.

To conclude, as we can see the differences between males and females are multiple. However, this does not make us better or worse, there is no gender better than another. We are all fit, wonderful and capable of what we set out to do. Biology does not determine potentials, it only gives us opportunities to develop and achieve what we set out to do.