Other than the obvious physical/hormonal factors, what do you think are the differences between men and women?

Question

How (if at all) do you think men and women are inherently different emotionally, intellectually, artistically, spiritually, relationally, etc? Do you think there are certain qualities that are inherently "male" and certain traits that are "female"?

Also, in what kind of a religious environment were you raised, what are your current religious beliefs, and do you think that either of those influenced your view of differences between the genders?

I'm hoping for some serious answers, guys, I'm really curious. I promise I won't attack if I disagree with you. :)

Answer 1

There's nothing you can say about all men or all women (that you can't say about all humans) that's actually accurate.

But if you take women as a whole, by and large, in general, overall (qualifier, qualifier, qualifier), compared to men, yes, there are some differences in their brains.

Women tend to navigate using landmarks; men tend ot use geometry and distance.

Women are better at a host of verbal micro-skills; men tend to be better at a host of geometric skills.

People of both sexes are more likely to confide in women.

Women tend to express their feelings verbally; men through acts.

Men tend to be sexually turned on by visual images more than women are.

Women tend to be better at fine work that takes hand-eye coordination and minute manipulative control.

These are the ones that sprang to mind that I've read about; no doubt there are others.

They're odd, and usually very specific or narrow; the sum of them makes for less difference than a lot of people think there are.

Um, actually, it's hormones that do this, so if you subtract out the hormonal factors, then no; but since hormones influence our brains (beginning before we're born), the hormonal factors aren't MERE hormonal factors.

Answer 2

Apart from the hormonal and physical factors, I am not sure there are inherent differences. Every time some have pointed out, the next generations have proved it wrong *for instance it was once believed that women were weaker in physical science). I believe the differences are caused by the influences of society. Obviously a woman who has a baby in her womb for 9 months and then breastfeeds the baby will have more probably of having a nurturing "instinct" than a man who does not have that experience. But I think that so-called "instinct" is a result of the other two factors, and not inborn. Have you ever seen a little boy with a kitten? and a little girl? Will there really be a difference?
When society did not expect women to be engineers, etc,, girls did not have much motivation to study hard in those subjects.
Emotionally? Again, this is influenced by society. How many little girls have been told: "Real women don't cry"? Not too many. But an awful lot of boys have been told that about masculinity. So they have an image of how they should be emotionally. That surely must have an influence on their emotional reactions.
I was brought up for my first 16 years without too much in the way of religion. Since just before turning 17, I have been a committed evangelical Christian. I believe that in the church, men and women should be completely equal ("in Christ there is neither male nor female"), but that doesn't necessarily mean they should be doing the same things. We see the New Testament teaching that in spite of the fact that women can be prophets, and can teach, men should take the leadership in the church. Was that because of sociological factors? I'm honestly not sure. Men are also encouraged to give leadership or "servant-leadership" in the family, where both are also called on to be submitted one to another. Definitely not dominance!
The New Testament clearly teaches a mutual respect and a mutual submission.
(This latter part of my answer, if I am not mistaken, is in answer to your implied question when you ask about religious background).
Someone mentioned that religion has tended to put women down. I think men, religious or not, have put women down, because, being usually physically stronger, they have tended to be bullies. Christianity actually liberated women to a large degree, although as Christianity gradually became "just another traditional religion", that emancipation has not been all that evident. The problem is that Christianity has conformed itself too much to the way the rest of society thinks and behaves, instead of acting like Christ.
Whew! Can't help preaching a sermon, can I?

Answer 3

My six brothers and I were not reared in a religious atmosphere, although it was a good and loving home.

My personal observation is that there are some things that are inherently male and female. Those aside, I find that the differences in other arenas are be seperated as follows:

Men ask HOW?
how can I build this
how can I fix this
how can I find money to buy this
how can I make it up to you

Women ask WHY?
why do you need it
why don't you just get another one
why do you want it so badly
why did you let me down in the first place

No, my religious beliefs have not influenced this, but my brothers sure did!

Answer 4

Men are straight forward with their opinions. Women expect you to play a guessing game about what they are thinking.

I really think this is somehow an inherent quality. There are obvious communication questions.

Answer 5

Men are biologically promiscuous, women are serially mongamous. That opens up a whole world of differences. I was raised catholic, but overcame it at an early age and don't consider it a handicap anymore.

Answer 6

- men talk to convey information. Women talk to, I don't know, bond or connect or something.
- men never really forgive, but they forget so readily it is not an issue. Women forgive, but they will never let you forget!
- in general, I've noticed that men are more prone to "fiddle" with things to figure them out. Prod it here and there, turn a knob, kick it around some. Women seem, well, more cautious.

Answer 7

As a whole, women tend to be discriminated by religious societies more then their male counterparts.

Answer 8

Women menstruate.

Answer 9

Men don't ask soppy questions.

Answer 10

All women cry when they see 'The Notebook'.

Men, however..........well, that doesn't work, either.....