|
from Gender Identity Disorders
'21 Reasons Why Gender Matters' Examines Gender Disorientation Pathology And Social Policy
By Mike Hatfield
 October 22, 2007 - The Fatherhood Foundation in New South Wales (NSW) has recently published 21 Reasons Why Gender Matters.
The study is based upon four foundational principles: 1. Gender differences exist; 2. Acknowledging gender differences is the only intellectually honest response to this reality; 3. Gender differences are complementary; 4. Gender disorientation exists in a small minority of individuals. It is not normative and should not drive social policies.
The 21 reasons are summarized below:
- Gender uniqueness and complementarity means that each gender has a unique contribution that can't be filled by the other.
- Acknowledging gender differences helps children learn more effectively.
- Men and women are happier when they recognize these gender differences.
- The masculine gender is an essential ingredient for fatherhood.
- The feminine gender is an essential ingredient for motherhood.
- Marriage is the best way for men and women to enjoy complementarity.
- Gender complementarity in a life-long marriage is essential for the continuation of humanity.
- Gender complementarity in marriage is needed for a healthy, stable society.
- Gender complementarity in marriage between a man and woman is good for the economy.
- Marriage between a man and woman is the foundation of a successful family and best way to protect children.
- Gender complementarity in marriage is the best way to teach children about the value of gender.
- Gender is important in understanding the significance of manhood.
- Gender is important in understanding the significance of womanhood.
- In healthy societies, gender complementarity is celebrated; societies rejecting this face harmful consequences.
- Healthy gender development prevents individuals from developing compulsive obsessive disorders leading to sexual addiction and other pathologies.
- Gender disorientation pathology is a symptom of family dysfunction, personality disorder, father absence, health malfunction or sexual abuse.
- Gender disorientation pathology will lead to increased levels of drug abuse and partner violence.
- Gender disorientation pathology will increase the risk of communicable disease and bad health.
- Gender disorientation pathology will decrease life expectancy.
- Gender disorientation pathology is preventable and treatable.
- Gender disorientation pathology encourages the sexual and psychological exploitation of children.
The study concludes with a list of 20 public policy responses to gender disorientation pathology.
The authors note: "Given the importance of the two genders, it is imperative to promote heterosexual marriage and the biological two-parent family. The evidence makes it clear that these two institutions provide the best environment for individuals, for societies, and for children."
21 Reasons Why Gender Matters can be ordered from the Fatherhood Foundation, P.O. Box 542, Unanderra, NSW 2520; www.fatherhood.org.au. For ordering information, contact the Fatherhood Foundation: info@fatherhood.org.au.
Updated: 28 February 2008
|
