Psychology
“Can’t Live With Them and Can’t Live Without Them-”
The Behavioral Differences Between
Men and Women
Alexzandra Cooley
INTRODUCTION
Even though neither sex would ever admit it, men and women are reliant on one another. We expect them to want what we want, feel what we feel, see what we see, and think what we think. We seem to have forgotten that men and women are supposed to be different and that our similarities are what define our relationship with one another. Whether it is a loving or friendly relationship with the opposite sex, this forgetfulness has caused major conflict and friction between the sexes since the beginning of time. In order for there to ever be peace between the sexes there needs to be understanding and acceptance of the differences and similarities between men and women. Once we are able to understand this we can use our new insight to approach situations in a more proactive matter as opposed to trying to change one another. Major differences between men and women influence our behavior and develop throughout the course of our lives. These differences should be considered when attempting to deal with the opposite sex.
Gender Identity In preschool years, children are faced with a major identity crisis: gender identity. According to Berk (2010), gender identity is “a full understanding of the biologically based permanence of their gender, including the realization that sex remains the same even if clothing, hairstyles, and play activities change”. Basically, the child learns to determine whether their characteristics are masculine or feminine. Society doesn’t leave much room for imagination in creating your own identity. While growing up, children see gender-typed behaviors modeled for them every day by the adults they interact with. For instance, as a girl; the types of toys that are normally played with are Barbie dolls or dress up clothes. Boys, on the other hand, play with trucks, trains, or action figures. Children
The Behavioral Differences Between
Men and Women
Alexzandra Cooley
INTRODUCTION
Even though neither sex would ever admit it, men and women are reliant on one another. We expect them to want what we want, feel what we feel, see what we see, and think what we think. We seem to have forgotten that men and women are supposed to be different and that our similarities are what define our relationship with one another. Whether it is a loving or friendly relationship with the opposite sex, this forgetfulness has caused major conflict and friction between the sexes since the beginning of time. In order for there to ever be peace between the sexes there needs to be understanding and acceptance of the differences and similarities between men and women. Once we are able to understand this we can use our new insight to approach situations in a more proactive matter as opposed to trying to change one another. Major differences between men and women influence our behavior and develop throughout the course of our lives. These differences should be considered when attempting to deal with the opposite sex.
Gender Identity In preschool years, children are faced with a major identity crisis: gender identity. According to Berk (2010), gender identity is “a full understanding of the biologically based permanence of their gender, including the realization that sex remains the same even if clothing, hairstyles, and play activities change”. Basically, the child learns to determine whether their characteristics are masculine or feminine. Society doesn’t leave much room for imagination in creating your own identity. While growing up, children see gender-typed behaviors modeled for them every day by the adults they interact with. For instance, as a girl; the types of toys that are normally played with are Barbie dolls or dress up clothes. Boys, on the other hand, play with trucks, trains, or action figures. Children