Make of this what you will

[Sigma_Orionis]

When it comes to Social Sciences I take conclusions with a grain of salt.

However, I find the implications of this very disturbing.

[Cyborg Girl]

Eh. Their definitions of masculine and feminine are weird (not that I've ever seen better definitions, mind). How are you supposed to care for those around you if you can't achieve anything yourself? How are your achievements useful if they don't help anyone else? These are interdependent, not opposite, IMO.

Likewise individualist vs. collectivist. I really do not think those are opposites! c.f. the United States, where people should ideally be both highly independent and highly patriotic.

I suspect this is mostly crap. OTOH you're the one who lives in Venezuela...

[Sigma_Orionis]

Well, that's exactly what bothers me: it confirms my opinions.

[FZR1KG]

Compare Australia and the USA and they are almost the same in all points.
Having experienced both I can reliably say that something is wrong with their results.

[Sigma_Orionis]

Good to know

[SciFiFisher]

Eh. Their definitions of masculine and feminine are weird (not that I've ever seen better definitions, mind). How are you supposed to care for those around you if you can't achieve anything yourself? How are your achievements useful if they don't help anyone else? These are interdependent, not opposite, IMO.

Likewise individualist vs. collectivist. I really do not think those are opposites! c.f. the United States, where people should ideally be both highly independent and highly patriotic.

I suspect this is mostly crap. OTOH you're the one who lives in Venezuela...

Think of it as a range or continuim of traits. Those traits associated with winning at all costs, competiveness, and success (often at the expense of other things) are considered "male" traits. Caring for others and satisfaction with what you do are considered "female". In societies where male traits are dominant you get less cooperation and more competion. at one end of the range is the totally "male" society where it is all about the accomplishments of the indivdual. At the other end of the range are those socieities that value cooperation and group success and are considered "female" because at one time taking care of the family and being maternal was considered to be only a woman's natural inclination. It has only been within the last 25 years or so that male's have been credited with having a "paternal instinct".

Again it's a spectrum with individuals falling outside the norm and societies sometimes changing over time. For example, the westernization of many Asian cultures has been viewed as introducing more of the "male" traits into thier society.

[Cyborg Girl]

For example, the westernization of many Asian cultures has been viewed as introducing more of the "male" traits into thier society.

That's kind of grimly ironic, when you think about how horribly some of those cultures used to oppress women.

[SciFiFisher]

For example, the westernization of many Asian cultures has been viewed as introducing more of the "male" traits into thier society.

That's kind of grimly ironic, when you think about how horribly some of those cultures used to oppress women.

Well, yes.

[FZR1KG]

Speaking of which, what is it with all the male = competitive shit?

Go on a serious hunting trip (one where tracking and skill are paramount as opposed to a turkey shoot) and you realise very quickly it's about team work and almost knowing what your other members are thinking and doing without observing them as well as trusting them to do the right thing.
Anyone not doing it that way is missing the point and more to the point is guilty of endangering the group or blowing the whole job.

[Sigma_Orionis]

For example, the westernization of many Asian cultures has been viewed as introducing more of the "male" traits into thier society.

That's kind of grimly ironic, when you think about how horribly some of those cultures used to oppress women.

Well, yes.

Even more grimly ironic, Lots of women down here love Eastern Culture and philosophies......

[Cyborg Girl]

Mind, it's not like Western culture has done much better, in general.