Gender Roles and Gender Differences Dilemma: An Overview of Social and Biological Theories

Abstract

The union between a male and a female does produce not only new offspring but also a whole journey of gender experience. Scholars have posed countless questions, hypotheses, and articles seeking answers, validations, and explanations to how and why gender differences exist. To answer these questions, the present study reviewed the social and biological theories on gender differences, seeking to unearth their perspectives on the origin of gender differences. From the review, the social theory postulated that the society, through its social structures, created gender difference as a way of ensuring the division of labour between men and women. The biological theory also maintained that gender differences are natural orders created by biological processes to maintain a balance within the natural ecosystem. Based on the review, a model was developed to explain how both social and biological activities result in dividing roles between men and women. Recommendations that will ensure coexistence between men and women were also given.