New Research in Gender Differences
Recently, I went to a workshop on this topic and found it fascinating! I will share with you some of the latest research.
In the past, there have been two schools of thought on gender differences. One school argues that sex differences are present from birth and should be accepted and embraced as natural and normal. The other school argues that sex differences are learned from caregivers and society and should be eliminated by changing the environment and society as a whole.
Recent research shows that differences between girls and boys are more profound than anybody ever guessed. Scientists are finding that each gender sees the world differently. Boys and girls each have retinas that are differently shaped. Girls’ eyes are best adapted to detect color and texture while boys’ eyes detect location, direction and speed. Therefore, girls are drawn to a colorful, richly textured doll and boys prefer a moving truck. Hearing and the shape of the inner ear itself is also different in each gender. Infant girls hear better than infant boys. In studies, music therapy was used for premature infants to help them develop and leave the hospital sooner. It worked for girls but not for boys. The conclusion reached was that the boys were not hearing the music as well or in the same way as the girls. The difference in how girls and boys hear has major implications for how parents and teachers should talk to children. One suggestion may be to raise your voice when talking to boys and lower it for girls.
Another interesting research finding is that girls tend to produce more oxytocin (human-bonding hormone) and serotonin (”feel-good” hormone). This helps explain why girls are more apt to be caregivers with dolls and stuffed animals. When girls play in this way, it activates the pleasure center in their brains. Boys, on the other hand, explore things physically by hitting, jumping, and playing rough. Boys enjoy intense, active games with chasing and running. Luckily, scientists find boys have more cerebrospinal fluid which protects their cranium from impact.
If this topic interests you, I would suggest you read the book, Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D, or go to the website: www.whygendermatters.com. This emerging science of gender differences can be useful for parents and teachers in helping children cope with challenges and reach their fullest potential.
Jill Phillips
ECFE Parent Educator