In this blog post, we explore whether the difference in ability between men and women stems from genetic factors or is shaped by the influence of social environment, based on various studies and discussions.
Long ago, a university president in the United States sparked fierce backlash after stating, “Women are inherently less capable in mathematics and science.” This remark went beyond a simple academic opinion, igniting controversy over gender discrimination and sparking debate about ability differences based on gender. For many years since, this topic has remained central to diverse academic research and social discourse, with views on gender differences still capturing significant public interest.
Some individuals continue to highlight inherent differences between men and women, asserting these stem from biological or genetic factors. While acknowledging no difference in average IQ scores, they point out that analyzing intelligence test results by type reveals meaningful gender disparities. For example, they present evidence suggesting women excel in linguistic abilities while men excel in mathematical and spatial perception abilities, sometimes asserting these differences are fixed.
Such claims are often backed by scientific research findings. For instance, when discussing men’s superior mathematical abilities, theories are sometimes proposed suggesting the male brain is better suited for processing spatial perception and logical thinking. Conversely, the claim that women excel in linguistic abilities is sometimes supported by research showing greater activation in brain regions associated with language processing in women. Such discussions reinforce the argument that differences in brain structure and function between genders can explain differences in abilities.
However, these claims are also subject to counterarguments. The argument that differences in intelligence or ability are more heavily influenced by social and educational environments than by biological factors is also gaining traction. For example, some studies explain that women lag behind men in mathematics and science because they receive less interest and educational opportunities in these fields from an early age. Furthermore, analysis suggests that social customs raising women and men differently have created these gender differences.
While the debate between genetic and environmental factors regarding the causes of gender differences persists, this argument may hold little significance when it comes to the issue of equality. Even if gender differences are genetic, they cannot justify discrimination. Equality signifies the principle that everyone must be provided equal opportunities, and differences in ability due to genetic factors cannot undermine this principle. What is more important is understanding and evaluating each individual separately.
Regardless of the cause of gender differences, these variations exist only on average. Even the genetic hypothesis proposed to explain men’s superior spatial perception states that 25% of women possess better spatial perception than half of men. In reality, it’s easy to find women around us with superior spatial perception skills compared to men. Therefore, whether the genetic explanation is correct or not, sweeping statements like “You can’t be an engineer because you’re a woman” or “You can’t take care of a baby because you’re a man” are extremely dangerous.
To truly understand people, we must not lump them into single categories like male or female. We must view and approach each as an individual. Even if scientific evidence proves genetic differences between the sexes exist, people should be evaluated based on their abilities and character, not their gender. Relying on prejudice to assign differences between groups is a flawed approach.
Ultimately, the discussion of gender differences extends beyond mere scientific facts to encompass issues of social justice and equality. The reason discussing differences between men and women is important is because it can limit each individual’s potential. If we believe gender differences exist, those differences should be respected, but discrimination based on those differences must never be justified. What we should strive for is a society that acknowledges differences between men and women, yet ensures those differences do not restrict individual choices and opportunities.
