Psychology of Gender, Essay Example

The reasons for studying gender and gender differences have been a point of controversy in sciences. Many researchers question the logic behind studying gender and are unsure as to the costs and benefits associated with it. Some question whether it should be studied at all. A number of considerations about the study of gender are explored here. Some basic arguments for and against studying gender are enumerated, and some costs and benefits delineated.

Some basic arguments delineated certain reasons gender should be studied at all. Some researchers believe that studying the differences between genders gives a more accurate picture of how people are. Others argue that including gender in research creates unnecessary biases. The basic argument for studying differences between genders says that the biological differences between the sexes predicates significant behavioral anomalies. They believe that within these differences lie a deeper understanding of human behavior overall and human relationships in general.

Study gender seems to be relevant based upon statistical findings. In numerous studies, significant statistical differences have been found between genders in various areas. So, there appears to be valid statistical reasons to include gender in studies at the very least. In other words, it appears as if gender differences really do exist, and if so, they are noteworthy for study if for no other reason than expository purposes. Still, it seems to go deeper than that. A cursory observation will reveal significant biological and behavioral differences between the sexes, and any layman could theorize as to how such behavioral differences grow out of the bioloigcal imperatives associated with each.

Some of the benefits of studying gender follow from these findings. If there are significant differences between genders – as there appear to be. When it comes to learning better ways to address challenges unique to each gender, it is imperative to know at least some of the major differences. It seems if we can better understand gender differences, we can more accurately prepare relational models that more precisely represent the relationships between them. So, both individually and socially there are some valid reasons to study gender.

Perhaps, there are at least some drawbacks. Perhaps, what appear to be significant differences between genders are in some cases just statistical anomalies. In such cases, professionals would be acting on erroneous data. Such errors would promulgate potential harmful gender biases. Generalizations are typically dangerous, but especially so when they are based on fallacy. Still, it is a point of consideration that it is important to understand reality for what it is in the sciences, and it certainly appears that there are gender differences that prevail outside of the immediate realm of biology. Nevertheless, biologically secondary characteristics (of which behavior may be seen a part) is an unquestioned phenomenon even in the biological sciences.

The reasons for studying gender and gender differences have been a point of controversy in sciences. Many researchers question the logic behind studying gender and are unsure as to the costs and benefits associated with it. Some question whether it should be studied at all. Others believe accurate representations of human reality are impossible without including such questions in research. A number of considerations about the study of gender have been explored here. What appears to be the case is that as with any topic of study erroneous findings can be a factor. Ideally, such errors would be controllable through some kind of tool such as replication. Nevertheless, differences between genders seem to exist quite profoundly, and it would be a misuse of resources not to capitalize upon the potential for knowledge related to it.