Gender Trends: Men Understanding Women Understanding Men
Gender differences seem to be a topic of ever-growing interest these days. No longer encompassing just that one shelf back in the “feminist” corner of the local independent bookstore, the amount that is being written and studied on gender at this point in time would take at least a full room or two (with an addition in the works).
And yet, there remains much to learn about how the genders differ, or not, and why it matters. Some of the pointed and intriguing questions currently being asked (if a recent Google search and my own research on gender-related topics is any indication) include:
Are men feeling left behind by the “new” empowerment of women? What is it about men and sports that women should try to understand? And, what sort of knowledge would help men in the workplace to better understand women’s ways of leading? Finally – and perhaps more lightly: Will women get the relationship truths, and nothing but, by way of a “men’s panel?” Tune in tomorrow…
These new books, articles and blog posts on gender and human behavior seem to be proliferating because there has for too long been a lack of information and open discussion on such things. It should be seen as a very positive trend that men and women are inspired and motivated to learn about the “other” (and beyond the usual “relationship help”). And, no matter what first sparks such interest, that which people learn along the way won’t only serve their personal interests, but their related businesses and organizational interests as well.
I, for one, believe that we could seriously change the world (maybe I’m watching too many political ads…) with a few more open, honest, and CO-ED (!) gender issue discussions.
How we live and work has so significantly evolved in recent decades that men don’t fully know how they should see/think about masculinity and women also aren’t so sure about how to define or “act” feminine. It is no wonder some of us might be experiencing a sort of identity crisis. But, it will be worth the effort, especially in the business/marketing world to do the work and find new ways to be relevant to today’s consumer.
Of course, the roots of such change have already taken hold at the larger corporate human resource or diversity levels – but, more needs to be done. Ironically, any male or female using his/her own perhaps more feminine traits should be able to see the holistic view on this: gender misunderstandings can negatively influence and infiltrate just about every aspect of life – things even HR can’t manage.
But, there is hope! With studies now showing that men in staid, traditional executive roles are beginning to see the value in women’s “softer” ways of leading in business, just imagine where that could lead! Will a more gender-intelligent consideration of the organizational, business and consumer perspective be far behind?
If you’re one who has been inspired by any of the published gender issue research, now’s the time to make your mark and influence others. Start by looking closely at your own beliefs, and then ask a few opening questions of peers and colleagues (Twitter might be an interesting way to start the discussion). No matter how you slice it, such a conversation among like-inclined people can very quickly shed new light on the hard-to-tackle gender topic, and the odd uncomfortable-ness surrounding it.
Men understanding women understanding men understanding women (and so on) will make possible a whole new perspective on future consumer behavior. Now’s the time to give it your attention.
