Gender Differences in Aggression - Essay Example

Teacher If the four perspectives discussed in I believe that the evolutionary and sociocultural perspective best explain the phenomenon why men are more aggressive than women. The main reason why men are more aggressive than women is due to evolution. Their genetic and physical make-up is shaped by centuries of wars where men are the main protagonist. The traditional patriarchal society of which almost every culture are in its early beginning also contributed to the evolutionary explanation of man’s aggression.

Men were traditionally assigned to the role of protector and provider of one’s tribe, clan or family and this social position necessitate them to engage in aggression since diplomacy between clans, tribes in the early days were not yet developed. Conflicts of interest then were settled through aggression where the stronger man always prevails. The evolutionary explanation why men are more aggressive than women is facilitated by sociocultural explanations. The roles that society assigned and expected of them are prone to aggression.

Man became more aggressive because society assumed a patriarchal hierarchy and made him their protector, provider and soldier. This role requires him to engage in aggression or to be aggressive to provide for his community. Also, the value system and expectation of society among men encourages violence and this explains why men strive to be better warriors, soldiers to gain the esteem of society he belonged. In the process, he became more skillful in aggression as encouraged by societal expectations.

Women on the other hand were traditionally conditioned by society to be prim and proper that made them less aggressive than men.