The Chronicles of Ej: Entry 1 - Men are more emotional than women (You decide!)

Every so often, I am going to share some knowledge I think many would enjoy. I also will make my postsbrief because no one wishes to read a library's worth of information. Remember, conveyance is NOT about stretching something out in a long, narrative piece. It's about getting to the point in a simple manner for everyone to understand, and more importantly, cite the sources if one wishes to cipher the in-depth analysis. Remember, many studies have their strengths and weaknesses, so by all means share your input and/or information! Most importantly, this discussion focuses on contemporary NothernAmerican society.

On the subject of women and men, it is a common misconception that women are more emotional than men. Without going tooin-depth, gender behavioris inscribed as children by our parents and society (boys wear blue, girls wear pink. Boys play football, girls dance. Etc etc) Of course, there are many exceptions, but most would agree this is the normative. Girls are allowed to cry, but boys are expected to"suck it up."So, are women more emotional than men,or are women generally moreopenabout their emotions?

As children, one studyconducted in 2000cites that boys "...experienced a higher release of stress hormones than girls in response to a recording of a baby crying. The same study also concluded that boys are more susceptible to miscarriage, birth defects, and developmental disabilities; cry more when they are upset; have a harder time calming down; and are more emotionally vulnerable to the ill effects of lack of affection." (Condensed version here)

In one study, located here, men were more likely to administer shock to themselves ratherthan being left alone with their own thoughts. Men, researchers say, typically hate being left alone with their own thoughts compared to women.

Well, why is this? Remember we spoke about gender behavior? Well, years ago (around the second wave of feminism after the civil rights act in 1964) women began fighting for more rights and are now in the workplace (rightfully so!). This is changing the very meaning of what is "masculine" and what is "feminine." It use to be "masculine" to be the worker, just as it was "feminine" to be emotional. Hereexplains in detail how men are becoming more keen on commitment and relationships while, generally speaking,women are focused on personal autonomy and their careers. The following is true according to the reference:
-Men are more likely to fall in love at first sight.
-Men wish to commit sooner than women.
-Men are willing to commit to someone they are not attractedto
-Men are willing to commit to someone they are not in love with
(Note: These studiesDO NOT mean the males are successful, mind you)

Finally, when a male divorces, he is more likely to remarry than a woman (located in the above links)

I hope this information opens a window, especially when males feel emasculated for expressing emotions. Now you have the information to reassure them that showing emotions is not only normal, but expected. Of course, there is a time and place to spread wisdom, but I hope this has served it's purpose. Please, feel free to add any information!