Mr. Yardley tells Helen about a “feminine impulse to warn and to guide…going back to the oldest times” (p.154). Do you think it’s true that women are more likely to fill this role than men? Why or why not?
I do think women are more intuitive as their natures are to nurture so I would agree with Mr Yardley.
Yes, I think most women are more protective and dedicated to their families and their loved ones than most men.
I think men and women have the same impulses in this respect; they just act on them differently.
Women have always been considered caregivers (even today) so Mr. Yardley’s statement is no surprise. From my own experience, I know I am more sensitive to others’ feelings that the men in my life. Sometimes the “feminine impulse” to warn and guide is not so accepted by others though. Females with this trait are often called “bossy”. Go figure! Maybe this impulse is why so many women are considered wonderful educators.
I do think women are more likely to “warn and to guide”. It’s more natural for women to nurture. Men like to solve. I know - I’m using that wide paintbrush.
I do believe women are more accepting of their intuition and instincts. Women are more likely to act on them and to warn others.
Yes, that used to be the case. And certainly was the accepted viewpoint during World War II.
But I believe it was based less on biology/inherent characteristics than on conditioning. From the time women are born, they are taught and expected to be nurturers, caregivers, protectors. This is less true today – for instance, I have purchased a number of Barbie dolls for my grandnieces & have enjoyed selecting astrophysicist Barbie, marine biologist Barbie, et al. for them – than for prior generations. When I was a child, there was Barbie. Period. And did she have a profession? Not that I recall. Among her most popular outfits? Her evening and bridal gowns. And most of us probably had many baby dolls, as well, that we were expected to mother and care for while giving a doll to a boy was practically blasphemous!