Men & Women: What's the Difference?

Bad Stereotypes

Stereotypes have gotten a bad rap, but for solid reasons. First, they only serve as a summary for large groups. Even when the group is largely homogenous, there will be many individuals who differ from the stereotype. Second, people are not aggregations of their various stereotypes. We are conscious beings that make daily decisions about who we want to be and what we want to do.

Good Stereotypes

However, stereotypes were invented because they serve a useful purpose. They allow us the predict the future with some reliability. Prepared with a "true" generalization, we are infinitely more likely to have a successful interaction than if we had no preconceptions. In fact, being ignorant of foundational stereotypes is its own source of trouble. We are prone to ascribe personality flaws and cruel intentions to others when we are unaware of natural and predictable variations that underlie their behavior.

The Difference

Posts under "Men & Women" will hopefully provide insight into the natural and predictable differences between them. These insights come from research into current and 1960's era literature, and from surveys I have performed among my family and friends. I have found that undue sadness and strife arise when women judge their husbands against femininity and men judge their wives against masculinity. My hope is that by understanding and allowing for a masculinity that is distinct from femininity, we can increase the happiness and strength of our marriages.

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