Typically male, typically female: common gender images are a matter of upbringing

Of course there are genetic differences between men and women - so everyone has their own characteristics. That's the way biology wants it. However, the extent to which these also affect the development of typical behavioral patterns is controversial. Current research assumes that upbringing and society play the decisive roles. This is because traditional gender images are still deeply rooted in many people and in the media and are exemplified to young children. For example, that girls love a world of pink dolls, while boys prefer soccer and cars. Such early childhood imprints then continue into school age and adult life.

Simple stereotyping: living up to typical expectations

Once certain behavioural patterns have been internalized, we often find it difficult to shed them over the years. Instead, we fulfill the expectations of our role and thereby reinforce the stereotypes. For example, there is no scientific evidence that girls are less talented in scientific subjects than boys. However, as they often believe themselves to be untalented in mathematics and technology, they are less confident in these areas. Overall, it is typical for women to be less talented than men - even at work. So some things are simply a matter of interests.

Typical cliché: Where do these prejudices actually come from?

The word cliché comes from the French "cliché" and means something like "copy". Clichés are usually just outdated ideas or role models that are out of date, prejudices or stereotypes. However, many studies on the subject of "typical woman, typical man" have now been able to disprove these prejudices that have become ingrained in our society. At the same time, we also know that there is often a kernel of truth behind clichés. These are the most common clichés:

Typical woman

• Women can't park
• Women talk a lot
• Women have no sense of direction
• Women love shopping
• Women always go to the toilet in pairs
• Women don't like beer
• Women are bitchy
• Women take a long time in the bathroom

Typical man

• Men can't listen
• Men do not cry
• Men are unromantic
• Men don't ask for directions
• Men always think about sex
• Men like big breasts
• Men don't like to show feelings
• Men are interested in cars

Typical man, typical woman? Develop your own personality instead of generalizations

"Thereare far greater differences within the sexes than between the sexes," says biopsychologist Markus Hausmann, who has conducted numerous studies on the subject. This means that each of us is unique with our weaknesses and strengths, preferences and talents - regardless of whether we are male or female. This makes it all the more important to take a closer look at the most common views about him and her. Multitasking: purely a woman's thing or something for men too? Writing emails, making important phone calls and cleaning the kitchen at the same time: Tackling several things at the same time is considered a talent of women. There is no scientific proof of this. However, many women are good at doing one thing consciously and other things almost automatically on the side. Men prefer to work on one thing at a time. But they do it very thoroughly.

Facts, facts, facts: How differently we communicate

Typical man: Men make clear announcements. Typical woman: women question everything. Or do they? It's true that men like to include facts and figures in conversations. They don't question specifications as much, get to the point more quickly and use fewer words. Most women, on the other hand, ask more questions and explain things in more detail - because it's important to them to understand the meaning, not just the content.

When it comes to love: who really cares more about the relationship

That's good news: love comes first for both men and women, the relationship means the same to both. Even if the man doesn't always show it? Yes, says psychologist Katharina Ohana: "It's usually our own exaggerated expectations of our partner that make us believe he doesn't love us enough: "The other person should then put us at the center of his life and do everything for us." The eternal game of love ...

Job and career: Who is more ambitious, and who is holding back?

At work, men are generally more determined than women, which is really typical. They ask themselves very early on where they want to be later in life - and then pursue these goals with corresponding perseverance. Women are usually more flexible, take things in their stride and try out several alternatives. They may therefore not climb the career ladder quite as quickly as men. But once they reach the top, they don't have to worry about missing out.

In job interviews, however, women often "sell" themselves less well than their male competitors - which brings us back to communication: men are clearer about what they want and signal to their counterparts "I'm worth that!". Women are more cautious when it comes to salary expectations, often even leaving a question mark. Future bosses and HR managers immediately jump on this to negotiate down.

The comparison test: Who makes themselves bigger? Who makes themselves smaller?

Both men and women are equally good at squinting at others. And both do it equally often. The difference lies in who we measure ourselves against: It is typical for men to compare themselves upwards, i.e. with those who are supposedly stronger. They have no problem showing off and making themselves bigger than they objectively are. Women do the opposite, they tend to compare themselves downwards - for fear of appearing arrogant. Even when women receive praise from others, they often find it difficult to simply accept it gratefully. Instead, they water it down because they believe it makes them seem particularly nice and likeable. What a shame, but unfortunately typical for women. This is where upbringing comes into play again - women were and are brought up to be modest.

Hobby and identification: He thinks about football, she thinks about shopping

Yes, many men are soccer fans. Why? Because this sport has few, easy-to-understand rules. Because they can passionately show all their emotions during the game. And identify with individual players. When women list "shopping" as their favorite hobby, this also has a lot to do with their search for identity: they often define their femininity based on outward appearances such as clothing, shoes and handbags.

Harmony and respect: different needs, the same goal

For women, closeness, connection and appreciation are essential. They want to feel comfortable, secure and protected in their relationship with others. In order not to jeopardize this harmony, they even avoid conflict. Men, on the other hand, value recognition and respect more than harmony and want to achieve this through status symbols such as a fancy car or a higher income. Basically, however, women and men pursue the same goal: love. Both want to be loved - they just try to achieve this in different ways.

The 70-30 formula: Why differences are useful

Annoyed by your partner and their quirks again today? About the fact that they tick differently to you in some things? You should be happy about this: many couple psychologists say that around 70% similarity and 30% difference between two people is ideal in a relationship. Of course, the basic values should match. But if we are too similar, there is a risk of boredom or even living side by side - and even infidelity. As we all know, opposites attract, and we are particularly sexually attracted to partners who have a different biochemical profile to ourselves. So there's nothing wrong with a few "typical" behaviors. After all, they don't have to conform to the usual male-female clichés ...

5 prejudices that are total nonsense

1. Women have no sense of direction: Not true. They just orient themselves differently to men and need concrete points of reference. And: If they get stuck, they ask for directions.
2. Men don't want children: According to a survey, as many as 9 out of 10 men want children. However, they often put off having children because they see themselves as the main breadwinner in the family.
3. Women can't park: Simply wrong. Unfortunately, many women are put off by this cliché.
4. Men are unromantic: Studies show that they are more likely to give up their goals for a relationship than women.
5. Women talk more than men: Both speak around 16,000 words a day. But about different topics.

Typical man: How we use his behavior to our advantage

A closed book? No, men are generally great at not taking failures, bad luck and mishaps personally. Let's take a leaf out of their book and stop blaming ourselves. Guys are also very good at this: Simply trying things out. Don't ponder for a long time whether they have the talent for something, just do it. Another point to copy: conquer space. Don't play small, but show your dominance. If you are unsure: Make a table and note down the positives and negatives about him - you can learn a lot for yourself from these findings in black and white. Typical woman!

Gender stereotypes in gender research: measurable differences

Numerous studies have already investigated the connection between sex hormones and cognitive and emotional abilities. The result: Due to the hormone testosterone (male hormone), men are particularly good at visualizing objects spatially. Women's sex hormones have a particular influence on language ability. On an emotional level, female hormones are linked to empathic behavior, while male hormones are linked to a tendency towards aggressiveness. However, the hormone levels of men and women are individually different, and there are also fluctuations due to age or weight, for example.

Differences in the brain

Studies show that the brains of men and women are more different than expected. According to this, women have more so-called gray brain matter, for example in the frontal brain and parietal lobe. Men, on the other hand, have more volume in some posterior and lateral areas of the cortex, including the primary visual center. In line with this structure, there are also differences in the gene expression of the sex chromosomes in the brain areas.

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