Brain sexes

2014/11/24 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Anatomia/Fisiologia
• Medikuntza

Numerous studies show that the brains of women are not equal to those of men. Moreover, according to many of them, these differences are the origin of the behavioral differences of both. One of the most extensive research suggested was published in February in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews.

Analyzing the research carried out in the last twenty years on the subject, the researchers concluded that there are significant differences in the volumes of some brain structures of women and men, especially in the areas related to language and the limbic system: the first is more developed in women and the second in men.

The difference to the researchers seemed significant and pointed out that henceforth they will not be able to act as if there were no differences, especially in the research of psychic diseases, since the incidence of certain diseases differs greatly according to sex.

However, the researchers added some “but” in their conclusions. One, who could not know to what extent these differences are congenital and cultural or later. Two, that young people and children were not introduced into research, so the consequences are limited to adults. Three, you need to research more to have more solid effects.

Now another researcher, Cordelia Fine, has written highlighting those “but” in the journal Science. He says that many sectoral investigations, intentionally or involuntarily, do not take into account those “but” and only serve to reinforce sexist stereotypes. He has called it neurosexism. In view of this, Fine proposes that instead of entering the final notes, "but" it be the starting point of the investigations. Thus, surely the results will not be so round, but more demanding.

Published in the newspaper Berria.