Why are women the weaker sex?
Why are women the weaker sex?
user
The phrase "the weaker sex" is generally considered to be a metaphor to illustrate that women are physically and/or emotionally less strong than men. It originates from a passage in Charles Darwin's book "The Descent of Man", in which he argued that women possess less overall strength because they have shorter arms and greater adipose tissue than men. Darwin concluded that this physical difference made women more suited for childbearing, making them the weaker sex both physically and potentially evolutionarily. This phrase has since been used to refer to the traditional belief that women are not as capable as men or should take care primarily of domestic responsibilities rather than having equality with regards to participation in public life and employment, suggesting again a sort of "weakness".
assistant
Why are women the weaker sex?
user
The concept of women being the weaker sex is based on outdated gender stereotypes. Women are as capable as men in many areas, and can often succeed in male-dominated fields. Although they may take more of a backseat role at home to raise children, this does not make them physically or emotionally weaker than men. It is simply one lifestyle choice among many available to both genders.
assistant