Research by the Karolinska Institutet shows that in more developed countries, psychological gender differences still exist, with some differences growing and others shrinking. This study highlights the complex relationship between gender dynamics and social progress and living standards.
A recent study shows that countries with improved living conditions lead to changing but persistent psychological gender differences, challenging conventional wisdom about the equality paradox.
A study published in the journal Perspectives in Psychological Science by researchers at Karolinska Institutet shows that psychological gender differences persist in countries where living conditions have improved. As living conditions improve, women appear to benefit more than men, with some differences becoming larger and others smaller. The findings go some way to confirming the so-called gender paradox.
"Our study shows that the strength and weakness patterns are the same in men and women regardless of age, location or living conditions," said Agneta Herlitz, professor of psychology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet. Whether the psychological differences between the sexes will increase or decrease as living standards improve has been a topic of ongoing debate, with some scholars believing that in a more equal society, the differences between the sexes will decrease. However, earlier research has shown that there are greater differences between the sexes, a phenomenon known as the equality paradox.
In their paper, the researchers show that some differences are widening while others are shrinking, and conclude that we should expect clear differences between the sexes to persist even as living standards improve.
Agneta Herlitz, lead author of the study and professor of psychology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, said: "Our study shows that the patterns of strength and weakness are the same for men and women regardless of age, location or living conditions. Gender differences in personality, negative emotions and certain cognitive functions are greater in countries with higher living standards. But it must be noted that we cannot determine any causal relationship."
The study was conducted in two parts: a systematic review of 54 published articles, and the researchers' own analysis of 27 large-scale studies and meta-analyses. In both analyses, they examined correlations between some psychological gender differences and national indicators of living standards, such as gross domestic product and the equality index.
Women show higher levels of altruism
Their results showed that gender differences in personality, verbal ability, explicit memory and negative emotions were greater in countries with higher living standards. Women appear to benefit from better conditions and improve their lead over men in terms of verbal ability and explicit memory. In addition, they showed higher traits such as altruism and cooperation, but also experienced negative emotions.
Professor Herlitz said: "In countries with higher living standards, men's cognitive abilities are also stronger, but at the same time, women's progress is greater, which may mean that in countries with lower living standards, women are disadvantaged."
Meanwhile, researchers found smaller differences between men and women in developed countries in sexual behavior, partner preferences and mathematics. When it comes to sexual behavior, women behave closer to men, thinking about and engaging in sex more frequently and choosing their partners more freely. In mathematics, men's lead narrows in countries with rising living standards.
Professor Herlitz continued: "We cannot yet say that these changes are driven by equality rather than economic conditions. Although our study cannot explain these differences, previous research has shown that women appear to benefit more from higher living standards than men."
Compiled source: ScitechDaily