RE: Differences between women and men.
August 11, 2016 at 1:00 pm
(This post was last modified: August 11, 2016 at 1:02 pm by Ben Davis.)
This all depends on how you define 'differences'. Genetically? Epigenetically? Neurologically?
In terms of basic genetics, the Y chromosone results in 10 protein-coding genes that are unique to human males. However those 10 genes aren't responsible for all of the differences we can observe. Epigenetically, there are ~150 unique-to-men, non-protein-coding genes that are copied in to RNA that account for some more of the differences. But as we observe developing and developed brains, there are many differences that can't possibly be described by either of those mechanisms and are clearly developed from learned behaviour.
It's all very complicated really so I prefer a meta-assessment. In the context of a modern westernised civilisation, statistically, the key differences are trivial. How many men really rely on enhanced muscular development for their survival or reproductive success? How many women rely on enhanced fat storage for theirs? And the rest of the differences (e.g. communication, multi-tasking, spacial awareness) are subject to such broad statistical variation as to become insignificant and consequently useless when predicting individual results.
We're all just human, really. I say we treat everyone equally, give everyone equal opportunity and let individuals be themselves. Any differences are just icing on the cake.
In terms of basic genetics, the Y chromosone results in 10 protein-coding genes that are unique to human males. However those 10 genes aren't responsible for all of the differences we can observe. Epigenetically, there are ~150 unique-to-men, non-protein-coding genes that are copied in to RNA that account for some more of the differences. But as we observe developing and developed brains, there are many differences that can't possibly be described by either of those mechanisms and are clearly developed from learned behaviour.
It's all very complicated really so I prefer a meta-assessment. In the context of a modern westernised civilisation, statistically, the key differences are trivial. How many men really rely on enhanced muscular development for their survival or reproductive success? How many women rely on enhanced fat storage for theirs? And the rest of the differences (e.g. communication, multi-tasking, spacial awareness) are subject to such broad statistical variation as to become insignificant and consequently useless when predicting individual results.
We're all just human, really. I say we treat everyone equally, give everyone equal opportunity and let individuals be themselves. Any differences are just icing on the cake.
Sum ergo sum
