Historically such as during the enlightenment and to some extent today the old notion that women are over?

Question

..emotional/not capable of reason to some extent prevails - women are deemed somehow closer to nature and men (through science/reason/logic etc) are able to control this/them..

Yet to me it seems so ludicrous - not only are girls now even out perfoming boys in their traditional stronghold subjects of science/maths etc (exposing the original assumption as tosh) - men have hormones too!

When a woman is in a bad mood she is dismissed as being 'time of month/just her hormones' yet how many times does someone quip when a bloke kicks off 'never mind love it's just your androgens!?

I wonder how much of this particular nonsensical belief is perpetuated because women via pregnancy and childbirth have an enormously priveledged position in humanity - it something amazing that men will never experience and means that the female body is infinately more amazing by comparison!? ;b

On a serious note - this notion does amuse me greatly esp considering the number of thick men I know!

Here's the Q -

Why does the notion that men are the masters of nature and women closer to nature prevail? Why is it assumed still in some circles that men are capable of scientific reason/logic etc and women are dismissed as silly/emotional?

Nicola H - No there would not be an outcry of abuse when a woman is derided that is the point. You say that men no longer have a 'role' but the role you refer to was the post-war one of head of the house/breadwinner. This nuclear family was not always the idyll it is portrayed as being. Power was imbalanced and domestic abuse often hidden. Young men today are often porn addicts incapable of forming relationships with real women.

You are flawed in thinking that the equality issue has swung too far - women still earn under 80% of male wages, despite achieving more academically. In the home women still do the lionshare of childcaring and housework (19hours more). Women more than ever before are objectified. Rape conviction rates are abysmal. Domestic violence still is predominantly (though not all) male to female and under pressure to be decorations - young girls now experience more eating disorders than ever before..

You seem naive - thinking men are hard done by.

Answer 1

You sound like a woman with a chip on her shoulder. This used to be so and sometimes I guess it is. But I know many chauvanistic women too!

Answer 2

I would like to turn your question on its head. Why do women knowing that they have been trampled on for years think its OK to do the same to men?

Did you know in the UK more young men commit suicide than ever before because they no longer have a role, girls are out preforming them and if we choose we can have babies without them?

Its socially acceptable on TV ads etc for a woman to dis. a man, to sexually harass him but if it were a woman there would be an out cry.

I agree being a woman myself that we have had a rough time in the past! But why is it okay for us to do the same thing to men? Thick men? If you said 'thick woman' there would be an outcry of abuse!

For the sake of our sons, husbands and brothers girls lets stop. Two wrongs do not make a right.

Answer 3

Like it or not WE ARE DIFFERENT. Both body and brainwise.
The female brain is more set towards Communication, organisation, emotion and sense. Men are more set towards rational thinking, technical matters and reaction. This is part of evolution I'm afraid. Sure we have come a long way since then, but those basic principles have been part of our brain process for so long, it's impossible to lose them. Same goes bodywise Men are stronger for hunting and fighting. But women are better at doing multiple task. Men are better at judging speeds and distance. Women have better ability to smell so they coul easily recognise her babies... These are qualities we enherited from our ape ancestors and are stuck with. If you like to learn more about this a see a few good and informative tests try finding the documentary The opposite sexe by Desmond Morris. He teaches us one big lesson. Through all our differences we are complementary. we may differ but we need each other.

Answer 4

1.NO ONE IS THE MASTER OF NATURE

2. In "developed" world most women bring their problems (by this I mean lower wages, abusive husbands, more housework...) on to themselves. I don't really understand why. Fear, I guess.

3. (Again in "developed" world) men have been "castrated" in the last couple of decades and don't have a clue what their role is any more. I think it is time to cut them some slack.

I am not attacking or defending any gender here, I'm trying to promote balance an equality. Real equality, not that feminist crap.

Answer 5

I think there are social trends. In the past, it was an asset to suppress your emotions and focus on success to the exclusion of everything else. Work was physical and heavy. This favoured the masculine characteristics.

Recent social changes have seen more value given to vocal expression, manipulation and politics, which are feminine qualities. Automation of industry has also reduced the need for physical strength.

I suspect that for different reasons, gender traits will go in and out of vogue. it is the way of things.

Answer 6

what an interesting question but it became flawed when you brought nature into your question. women do have superior bodies and minds, however when it comes to nature even the thickest of men shine through, we still like to be cave men with sports and hobbies linked to nature. women kind of just tag along.

Answer 7

as a woman i'm gonna say this- we get paid less cos we allow it to happen, men are more likely to ask for raises which is why they get paid more. don't let yourself be put down or demonised and you won't be.
i'm sick of women's blatent sexism towards men! the answer to sexism isn't sexism! i know there are still sexist men ofcourse they are but just show your strength and there more likely to respect you for it!!
same with housework, just don't do it or share the load. stop moaning and do something about it

Answer 8

Totally in agreement, here!

Answer 9

I would happily answer your question if I understood what it was.