As a rule infant girls grasp the concepts of language earlier than infant boys. As a rule young boys and men are more likely to settle their differences violently than their female counterparts. As a rule in the counselling room women are more likely to be able to accurately identify their deep emotions than men. Furthermore, females are often reluctant to admit that they are angry whilst men seem to have trouble admitting that they are fearful.
And so it can be argued and is generally accepted that males and females are different (though the socialization process has impacts here also). Despite the extent of these differences it seems obvious to me that both sexes share much. Both need to be validated and accepted by those around them. All children need encouragement and to be respected to thrive. None of us respond well to being shamed, criticized and disempowered by our superiors.
So are men and women from different planets? I think not! And though it is of some use to recognize our differences it is possibly more productive to emphasize our similarities and joint needs. If we include the LGBT community in our reflections stereotyping becomes even more problematic.
Patrick Moloney 22/7/17