In article <35A21DFC.244A at biokem.lu.se>, Ann Magnuson <ann.magnuson at biokem.lu.se>
writes:
|> I think one explanation for why female students might
|> have difficulties with collaborations, is that if, during the course of
|> the project, one student turns out to be more driving, hardworking and
|> ambitious, the other feels left behind or let down. From what I've seen
|> I would say (and other people agree with this) that men in this
|> situation just show a "stiff upper lip" and get on with it, whereas
|> women take it personally on an emotional level. "I thought we were
|> friends!" (tears in eyes). Know what I mean? I've discussed this a
|> little with both male and female friends, and both sides agree (although
|> they do not agree on wich of the two ways to handle the problem is the
|> best... Women think their behavior shows that they're sensitive and
|> human, whereas men think emotions don't belong in the lab).
|>|> I would like to stress that I am not certain of what to think myself
|> about all this. I suppose that's why I want to discuss it with y'all.
I know I, for one, am uncomfortable with the "women are sensitive, men
are ruled by logic" stereotype. When I read the above, I find myself
wanting to replace "female students" with "overly-sensitive students".
I know women and men who could fit equally well into the scenario of
the female student described above. I myself am more the "stiff upper
lip" type. Then again, I am well-aware of the prevalence of the
stereotype -- it's what prompts my friends to tell me, "You're such a
guy." (Well, no, not last time I checked....)
What concerns me is to what degree stereotypes about how women should
behave affect others' perceptions of their behavior. It often seems like
a no-win situation. If I act like a stereotypical woman, it's a strike
against me because I must be weak, or overly emotional. If I fail to
behave like a stereotypical woman, it's *also* a strike against me, because
how dare I try to be something I'm not?
I could go on at length on this topic (and may later), but I'll leave it
here for now....
Karen Alfrey
alfrey at rice.edu
