The biological basis for gender-specific behaviour
Based on Gregg Johnson, in Recovering Biblical manhood and womanhood, ch. 16. 1997. Available online.
1. Ethological observations
Among most higher social mammals males
- are more aggressive
- take dominant leadership roles
- are more territorial and competitive
- are more reactive and less cautious
Females:
- are more involved in parenting
- tend to socialise more horizontally and equally with other females
- are cautious in mating, seeking out more dominant males
- are more concerned with parenting, nurturing and maintaing pair bonds
- are less confrontative and combative and more interested in building and maintaing social bonds
- are peacemakers, seeking conformity to group expectations
From anthropological studies:
- ‘Males are almost always the rule makers, hunters, builders, fashioners of weapons, workers in metal, wood, or stone.’