In sum, there is no hard evidence to support the received wisdom that a wide range of behaviours that we associate with particular genders are actually biologically predetermined. The implication of this is that we need to look very hard indeed at how we reinforce stereotypes that diminish the potential of the boys and girls and the men and women around us.
You may not think this is relevant in the church but ask yourself this: when a girl between the age of 5 and 12 comes up to you in the coffee lounge after the service, what are most adults, whether male or female, likely to say to them after a general greeting and inquiry as to how they are? Let me tell you, because I've watched myself, and I've watched scores of people talk to my daughter and I've asked lots of adults. The answer almost always relates to something she's wearing or some aspect of her appearance. 'That's a pretty top.' Or, 'I like the way you've done your hair.' Well, in an app…
You may not think this is relevant in the church but ask yourself this: when a girl between the age of 5 and 12 comes up to you in the coffee lounge after the service, what are most adults, whether male or female, likely to say to them after a general greeting and inquiry as to how they are? Let me tell you, because I've watched myself, and I've watched scores of people talk to my daughter and I've asked lots of adults. The answer almost always relates to something she's wearing or some aspect of her appearance. 'That's a pretty top.' Or, 'I like the way you've done your hair.' Well, in an app…