When Stereotypes Become `Scientific' Statements:Dealing with Gender Issues

摘要

The theoretical analysis by Watzlawik (Integrative Psychological &Behavioral Science 2009) demonstrates the scientific fragility of the constructs ofmasculinity and femininity based on the oversimplification and overlapping betweenthree levels of analysis: group differences, inter-individual differences and intra-individual differences. Watzlawik presents fresh and relevant contributions in termsof methodological issues, especially about the construction of scientific general-izations. Here I focus on issues related to the transformation of stereotypes instatements about gender differences that claim to be `scientific'-outlining the socio-political agendas of such statements.