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Empathy redefined: Beyond gendered assumptions
For centuries, empathy has been pigeonholed as a feminine trait, while assertiveness was deemed inherently masculine. New research dismantles these stereotypes, revealing how biology, socialization, and power dynamics shape our emotional responses.
Historical biases persist
In 1705, philosopher Mary Astell noted that women achieving greatness were often dismissed as "men in petticoats." Queen Elizabeth I similarly distanced herself from femininity, claiming to rule "like a king." These historical examples underscore how deeply gendered expectations have influenced perceptions of competence and emotion.
Modern science now questions whether empathy is truly innate to women or a product of societal conditioning. Studies show that while women often score higher on empathy tests, the differences are smaller than commonly assumed-and largely shaped by environment.
The biology debate
Cambridge University psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen argues that prenatal testosterone exposure may influence empathy and systemizing abilities. His 2006 study of 200 children linked higher fetal testosterone levels to stronger systemizing skills but lower empathy scores. A 2007 follow-up reinforced this inverse correlation.
Yet critics like neuroscientist Gina Rippon challenge this "female brain" theory. "Empathy is a complex mix of biology and social factors," she says, emphasizing that children's brains are highly malleable. A 2025 meta-analysis of 31 infant studies found no sex-based differences in social awareness at one month old, suggesting early empathy is not hardwired.
Socialization's role
A 2018 genetic study of 46,000 participants found that genes account for only 10% of empathy variation, with environment playing a far larger role. Girls are often socialized to prioritize others' needs, encouraged to play with nurturing toys, and praised for being "nice." Boys, meanwhile, are steered toward assertive or mechanical play.
"Little girls are told not to be unkind or rough," Rippon notes, "so empathy gradually becomes part of their identity." Power dynamics also skew perceptions: studies show that financially disempowered individuals-often women-develop sharper emotional reading skills to navigate hierarchies.
Empathy as a learnable skill
Neurologist Nathan Spreng of McGill University argues that empathy is dynamic, not fixed. A 2023 study found that men's self-reported empathy matched women's when primed with messages affirming male emotional capacity. Similarly, offering financial incentives eliminated gender gaps in empathy tasks, proving motivation drives performance.
"When people are motivated to understand others, they recruit more sources-body language, speech, past interactions-to construct that understanding," says psychologist Sara Hodges of the University of Oregon.
Sara Hodges
Hodges also warns that empathy isn't inherently virtuous: it can be weaponized for manipulation, such as in negotiations.
Consequences of stereotypes
Gendered expectations harm both sexes. Women are often overlooked for leadership roles, assumed to lack the "dominant" traits associated with authority. Men, meanwhile, face higher suicide rates linked to social isolation, as they're less likely to seek emotional support.
Yet societal shifts are underway. Men now spend more time with children than previous generations and express greater desire for family involvement. Sociologist Niall Hanlon of Technological University Dublin sees this as a move toward a masculinity rooted in interdependence rather than autonomy.
"Men are socialized to see care as outside their trajectory," Hanlon says. "But embracing empathy could reduce loneliness-for men, women, and children."
Niall Hanlon
Redefining masculinity
The research underscores that empathy is neither fixed nor gender-exclusive. By dismantling stereotypes, society can foster emotional skills in all genders, with benefits for mental health, relationships, and workplace equity.
As Hanlon concludes, "This isn't just about women's roles-it's about creating a culture where everyone can thrive."
