Lesson 19

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PERSONALITY

Men and women have been found to be different on a number of dimensions of personality. On some
characteristics male score higher and on some females. In case of some traits stereotypically thought to be
female traits, men score higher e.g. in case of talkativeness. Researches on gender differences do not
provide us any conclusive evidence, and a basis to consider men and women as tow entirely different
entities. Some differences has been found, however research shows that these differences are insignificant
and inconsistent (Huston, 1985; Hyde, 1984, 1986; Maccoby, 1990). According to Feshbach et al., 1996,
“There appear to be relatively few basic psychological differences between the sexes, although members
of the tow sexes are socialized t behave in different ways.” Research does not provide substantial
evidence of gender differences in most traits, aggression being an exception.

Gender and Aggression

There is no dearth of empirical evidence that males are more aggressive than females. This difference in
manifested even in early childhood. Even in children 2 years of age, boys display more aggression than
girls and this tendency persist throughout the life span. When compared in terms of their reaction to their
own aggression, women feel more anxiety and guilt over their aggression. They are more concerned about
its effects on their victims (Feingold, 1994; Hyde, 1994; Munroe et al., 2000). Physical aggression is
much more common in boys, than in girls (Berger, 2000). Relational aggression or social aggression is
considered more hurtful than physical aggression, in older children, especially girls (Galen, and
Underwood, 1997). Relational aggression aims to cause psychic pain to the victim rather than a physical
pain; it involves insult or social rejection. Research shows that girls use relational aggression more that
boys do; however both use this form of aggression. Females’ involvement in covert or relational
aggression is higher than males; they use snubbing, ignoring, and undermining others more than men do
(Crick, Casas, and Mosher, 1997; Crick, and Grotpeter, 1995). But most research shows that differences
are greater n terms of physical aggression, but very little in case of verbal aggression. Males tend to be
more aggressive than females, both verbally and physically, both children and adults. In most societies
men account for violent crime in disproportionately large numbers. Psychologists have different
viewpoint regarding aggressiveness being higher in males.

The Biological Explanation

This difference is innate and biologically based in hormones (Maccoby, and Jacklin, 1980).

Learning and Social Factors Explanation

Gender differences in aggression are not biological; learning and socialization are the responsible factors.
This approach argues that if aggressiveness is biologically disposed then it should be the same in children
and adults; but if the tendency develops in adulthood, or increase with age, then the social factors are
responsible for it. Some research, though not conclusive, suggests that aggression tends to increase with
the age of the child.

Gender Differences in Bullying

Bullying is a common phenomenon in school going children. Mostly boys are bullied by older boys, or
by peers. In case of girls, another dimension of bullying has been reported. One third of all 9-15 years
old girls reported, in the US, having experienced sexual teasing or touching; this caused or problem so
serious that they wanted to avoid school (American Association of University Women Foundation, 1993).

Gender Differences in Non-Verbal Communication and Behaviors

Men and women differ in terms of non-verbal communication and behaviors. Females are more
sensitive to subtle non-verbal cues than men (Hall, 1990). Women may be better at decoding or
interpreting others’ body language (Eagly, 1987; Hall, 1978). But there are no differences in the display
of postures or gestures associated with dominance in non-verbal social situations (Halberstadt, and Saitta,
1987). Women have a tendency of gaze when someone is talking, especially a man. Men typically do no
look at women talking. Women are generally more formal and tense in their posture and demeanor. Men
are generally informal and relaxed (Henley, 1977). Also women are more likely to smile than men.
According to Henley, these differences reflect the power position of men, and submission of women. It
also indicates that men have a higher and women a lower status in society. The gestures used by men are
the ones used by people with a high and powerful position; the case is the opposite with women.

Touching
Men and women also differ in terms of the use of touching as part of their non-verbal communication.
Men touch, but do not generally like being touched. Women generally give a positive response to
touching, but do not usually take initiative in touching (Whitcher, Fisher, 1979; Henley, 1977; Major,
1981).

Expressiveness and Sensitivity

Men and women also vary in their expressiveness and sensitivity to what the other person is conveying,
doing, or communicating in general. Women have been found to be superior both in accurately sending,
and in understanding non-verbal communication (Hall, 1984; Mayo, and Henley, 1981; Rosenthal, and
Benowitz, 1985). Women have an ability to identify negative feeling, except anger in man cases.
According to Brown (1986), this heightened ability may be a function of women’s’ less powerful
position, and they may have to develop sensitivity to the leakage of negative feelings.