Some problems with and prospects for sex and gender differences

Abstract

The distinction between sex and gender differences is very ambiguous in the Japanese language as discussed in this special issue. It is important that we use these two terms correctly, i.e., sex differences have a biological basis, and gender differences are based on social behaviors and conventions. Within this special issue, the distinction between sex differences and gender differences are presented by several authors. Sasaki emphasizes the usefulness of sex/gender limitation analysis which could redefine sex/gender differences. Morinaga tries to explain women’s relative inferiority in the fields of science and mathematics by the stereotypic misnomer “not being good at mathematics”. Suzuki reviews the psychological factors, such as gender role attitudes that affect gender inequality. Yokota examines the popular “male warrior” hypothesis in evolutionary psychology through new findings in both experimental psychology and archeology. Numazaki’s article explains the origins of sex differences through both cultural and evolutionary approaches. Each article advances our understanding of the origins of sex/gender differences. On the other hand, the studies that redefine the origins of both sexist societies and institutions and promote ways to change gender differences, should be further evaluated. To that end, more in depth interactions among behavioral geneticists, evolutionary psychologists, and social psychologists are needed.