Obviously, culture does play a large part in shaping behavioral differences between the genders. But to deny the prominent role of biology in our lives is dangerous nonsense. Ignoring it will not empower women but endanger them. Multiple sclerosis, lupus, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis), depression and anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome are more common in women. Will ascribing these pathological differences to patriarchal social constructs help find a cure?
It' also worth noting that gender and sex are not the same thing. Gender has to do with grammar. Man is masculine, woman is feminine, and child is neuter.
Now and then at the doctor's office, I have filled in the "gender" blank as "masculine".
ReplyDeleteIt should have asked what your sex is. Or you coukd answer masculine singular.
ReplyDelete