Psychology TopicsWomen & men
Women and men aren't as different as you might think: A review of dozens of studies found that men and women are basically alike when it comes to personality, thinking ability and leadership. The differences that do exist may reflect social expectations, not biology. Despite this evidence, the media continue to spread the idea that the sexes are fundamentally different — with real-life consequences. Parents who believe that boys outdo girls in math, for instance, may have lower expectations and overlook mathematically talented daughters.
Adapted from "Men and women: no big difference"
What You Can Do
-
Happy couples: How to keep your relationship healthy
Keep your romantic partnership in good working order by talking openly, keeping it interesting and seeking help if needed.
-
Men: A Different Depression
Psychologists try to help men get help, open up.
-
Nine psychological tasks for a good marriage
Research on what makes a marriage work shows that people in a good marriage have completed these psychological "tasks.”
Getting Help
News
-
How men and women experience depression differently
January 14, 2015, Fox News
-
Jealousy: One more way men and women are different
January 7, 2015, Time
-
Mathematically gifted men and women report both being happy despite pay inequality
November 19, 2014, The Washington Post
-
Unattractive men look better to women on the pill
November 18, 2014, Fox News
Monitor on Psychology Articles
-
Math + culture = gender gap?
July 2010
-
Menopause, the makeover
March 2010
-
Inequality in prison
October 2009
-
The recession is stressing men more than women
July 2009
Books
APA Offices and Programs
-
Women's Programs Office
Improving the status, health and well-being of women psychologists and consumers of psychological services, and addressing issues such as gender disparities, domestic violence, disabilities and depression.