Steven Pinker The Science Of Difference Summary

There is a fine line between being “different” and being “stereotyped.” Gender differences can cause exaggerated stereotypes that can lead to losing one’s self-identity. In the article, “The Science of Difference” by Steven Pinker, the author stresses that essential ability difference between men and women do exist. And it is not only seen through biological views but also through social views. In my opinion, essential ability differences between male and female do not exist; however, gender stereotyping caused by generalized gender differences—do exist; and it is provoking both men and women to lose their true selves. Contrary to Pinker’s belief that gender differences are both biological and social issue, I think it is more of a social outcome

rather than a biological outcome. And there are many contributing factors to such issue such as parental perception of social behavior, and society’s persisting gender stereotypes—and it all begins the moment the child is born.

For example, as soon as the midwife says “it’s a boy,” the parental perception and gender stereotypes begin. He is generally molded to become “masculine”. Toy cars and trucks are bought for him, ideally blue and never pink. Growing up, if he is hurt and cries, his father tells him “toughen up, stop acting like a girl!” He then learns to suppress his emotions as he thinks it is "girlish” to express them. He is most likely to be discouraged from cooking because it is a woman’s job; however, he is encouraged to fix the car because it is a man’s job. He is also encouraged to act brave and strong, and develop the “right male passions” like sports. However, he is discouraged from choosing careers that are “meant for girls” like nursing. Taking care of the house and the family is out of the question, as it is presumed that his gender defines his primary role as a "provider." And because he is a “provider” and not a homemaker, he is often stereotyped as dirty and unable to take care of the house without a woman. On the other hand, as soon as the midwife says "it’s a girl!"—the gender equality tends to alter from that moment.

She is generally molded to become feminine. Her room is decorated with presumed feminine colors like pink, and dolls are bought for her. Growing up, if she is hurt, she is allowed to cry and express herself emotionally. She is taught to be submissive, caring and not to fight “like boys,” or even ride a bike because she can be culturally stereotyped as “tomboy.” She is also encouraged to develop the “right female passions” like cooking. Yet, she is discouraged from choosing professions that are “meant for boys” like engineering. It is often generalized that her gender defines her role and function at home as a primary homemaker and a mother. And because she is a woman, she is stereotyped as weak would fail in a male-dominated work environment because she is not as "strong" as a man. Such stereotypes caused by gender differences and society’s concept of what it means to be a man and a woman—as a consequence—both men and women become prisoners of their genders.

In conclusion, “differences” between men and women, most of which are researched to be individual differences, are generalized as gender differences. These differences cause gender stereotyping of men and women. Because of such stereotypes, men and women are forced to lose their identity qualities, spirit, and unique characteristics that make them who they are. Instead, there is always a tendency to fit in with the society’s notions of ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’. In all this “mayhem”, our real selves are often lost in our "gender boxes." We realize this, but we wonder how to escape from these boxes that seem to be so profoundly instilled in us. We know we have the power to choose whatever that makes sense to us, even if it obliges us to look past our genders. Perhaps the best way we can achieve change in our society is by becoming aware of our own stereotypes in a way that we see ourselves and as well as others.