Key Takeaways
- Men and women have emotions that fluctuate equally.
- The stereotype that women are more emotional is harmful and false.
If you’re a woman, the odds are that you’ve heard the word “emotional” thrown out to describe your behavior too many times to count. Other common descriptors people have used for you may include “irrational,” “overdramatic,” and “sensitive.”
Yet, a man who responds similarly is often said to have presented a “good take” or “welcome input.” Each of these labels perpetuates the lasting stereotype that men are level-headed and women are unruly, emotional beings incapable of restraint.
This harmful and pervasive stereotype can have a negative impact on how women are viewed within their personal relationships, in the workplace, and in the world at large. As a result, women may regularly feel forced to modulate their behavior in unnatural ways.
The Science of Emotion and Sex
Although further research is needed in this area, existing evidence suggests that there are no inherent emotional differences between sexes.
A 2021 study in Scientific Reports observed the regular emotions of 142 men and women. Researchers found that the emotional fluctuations of male participants were similar to those of female participants.
These findings challenge the conventional view of emotional differences between men and women. “Traditional and rigid gender roles grounded in our patriarchal society depict men as ‘unemotional’ and women as ‘emotional,’ says Dr. Catherine McKinley, an associate professor for the Tulane University School of Social Work. “Because the patriarchy portrays men as superior over women, stereotypical traits associated with women and femininity are devalued, discredited, and delegitimized.”
Portraying women and men as inherently falling along stereotypical gender roles as ‘natural’ or ‘innate’ perpetuates incorrect gender role myths, stereotypes, and sexism.
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DR. CATHERINE MCKINLEY
McKinley describes the idea that women are more emotional as “just plain false,” emphasizing that everyone has emotions, whether they recognize them or not.
The Negative Impact of Emotion-Centered Stereotypes
Believing that certain people are more emotional than others can cause serious harm to everyone. “No person truly fits in these boxes. All people have emotion and need connection,” says Liz Coleclough, PhD, LICSW, a social worker specializing in trauma therapy. “They may present, behave, or identify in a variety of ways outside of their stereotype assigned at birth. However, characteristics and behaviors that land beyond these gendered expectations can bring rejection, exclusion, even danger.”
Trying to fit into these stereotypes limits personal growth and self-expression. Coleclough notes that this can restrict women’s access to power and opportunities and cause men to suppress their feelings and avoid deep connections.
For everyone except cisgender men, the effects are intensified by patriarchal societies that devalue them globally.
Dr. Catherine McKinley
Traditional and rigid gender roles grounded in our patriarchal society depict men as ‘unemotional’ and women as ‘emotional.’
— Dr. Catherine McKinley
As Coleclough says, “Women are ‘allowed’ to be emotional—but also must exhibit the right kind and level of emotion. Crying is acceptable. Anger is not.” These gender norms about emotional expression can also perpetuate violence.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in three women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. “In a world that pre-determines women to be without power and men to be with power and entitlement, it can be no surprise that this type of violence is so common,” Coleclough adds.
“Of course, to even be believed as a ‘victim,’ a person must still match the feminine description. So often, responsibility for domestic or sexual violence is still placed on a person stepping out of their box,” she notes.
