Do you think there are - on average - intellectual differences between men and women

[aneeshm]

Are you seriously telling me people end up in the upper elite echelons of society based on merit?

Merit is a large factor, yes, but as you imply, not the only one. And I'm not claiming the world is pure meritocracy, either.

I'm saying that the extreme high achievers in a given field, where achievement can be objectively defined, quantified, and measured, generally tend to be men, even when the averages for men and women for the field remain the same. So you can take the natural sciences, for example.

 

[aneeshm]

That is very interesting! I wonder, is this knowledge mainstream among American institutions? I doubt it.

Well, it's pretty well known among evolutionary psychologists. I learnt of this through the books of Steven Pinker and others, most specifically his "The Blank Slate". But because it's not politically correct to say acknowledge it, and because it's relatively new, it's not too well-known among the academic mainstream.

It is also an interesting observation in support of the theory that the scores of women relative to men keep improving as grade inflation rises. The closer the cut-off point for assessment gets to the average, the bigger is advantage women have.

For an interesting debate between Pinker and a prominent feminist on the issue of gender differences, I can recommend this link: EDGE.

 

[West 36]

they have roughly the same average IQs, but the bell curve of male IQs is flatter (more geniuses, more idiots)

What is that based on exactly? Because if it's based on evidence accumulated over time, it should be noted that women haven't always had the same access to education, the same quality of education, or privileges a man might have or might still receive. Of course genius and retardation may not really be a result of how their education is, in which case my point is moot.

 

[luiz]

I don't about intelligence as a whole, but women seem to have more difficulty in interpreting maps and navigating in general.

 

[Neonanocyborgasm]

On average means on average. It doesn't mean it applies to the comparison of every random man to every random woman.

Wait. Pole.

I don't think there's any difference, but there is a difference in how it is applied. Men tend to use a problem-solving technique whereas women collect a lot of information first and use a gestalt approach.

 

[Incanam]

As high school student in all AP or H classes, I think their might be some differences. My AP English class has much fewer guys. My AP Spanish class has only 5 guys to like 15 girls. On the other hand, my Calculus class has more guys.

Then if we look at class ranking, there is one girl for number 1, tied with 4-5 guys.


I don't think any one gender is more intelligent than another, just that women are smarter in literature while men in math and science.

 

[aneeshm]

I don't think any one gender is more intelligent than another, just that women are smarter in literature while men in math and science.

And what of those of us who are good at both? The Renaissance Men?

 

[Fifty]

What is that based on exactly? Because if it's based on evidence accumulated over time, it should be noted that women haven't always had the same access to education, the same quality of education, or privileges a man might have or might still receive. Of course genius and retardation may not really be a result of how their education is, in which case my point is moot.

Dunno... can't find the study where I first read it.

I don't about intelligence as a whole, but women seem to have more difficulty in interpreting maps and navigating in general.

According to a survey of the literature by Steven Pinker, men are better at mentally rotating objects and maps, women are better at remembering landmarks and the positions of objects.

 

[luiz]

According to a survey of the literature by Steven Pinker, men are better at mentally rotating objects and maps, women are better at remembering landmarks and the positions of objects.

That seems about right, at least as far as personal experience goes.

 

[Shekwan]

I chose the fourth poll option. The thing about men being more likely to be really intelligent or really stupid is true from personal experience, although I've met a lot more of the latter than the prior.

 

[downtown]

And what of those of us who are good at both? The Renaissance Men?

These people make up for it by wiping their bums with their hands.

 

[Huayna Capac357]

I've always heard men were batter at mathematics, while women were better at grammar.

I honestly don't know/care either way.

But I pwn everyelse I know at grammar...

I say both are equal.

 

[aneeshm]

These people make up for it by wiping their bums with their hands.

TANSTAAFL.

 

[Taras Bulba]

intelligence is (largely) genetic, therefore, theoretically, they're equal


but I voted men are more intelligent, because out of all the people I've met/known of that were really stupid, the stupidest ones where girls. Out of all the most intelligent people I've known, the smartest ones were guys. Its a generalization, and also isn't accurate at all, but based on the people I've met, generally, guys are smarter

 

[alcal]

When you're talking IQ (which isn't necessarily a real intellectual measure, I know) there's a 4 point spread between men and women; men are the higher of the two, predictably.

Indeed here is the complete article
http://www.rlynn.co.uk/

 

[Incanam]

And what of those of us who are good at both? The Renaissance Men?

I meant on average.

There are of course Renaissance Men and Women.

 

[Kozmos]

Beside quantity? None. There are more smart guys simply because of today's social trends and culture. Being an airhead is glamorized.

 

[fishjie]

men are logical about everything except women

women are illogical about everything except men - who they exploit brilliantly. so in the end they still come out on top

 

[Ecofarm]

According to a survey of the literature by Steven Pinker, men are better at mentally rotating objects and maps, women are better at remembering landmarks and the positions of objects.

Urbanites are better at landmarks.

And that crap about the bell curve is just that.

 

[choxorn]

No. Both, are, on average, complete idiots.