Why women are more generous decoded


Team Udayavani, Oct 16, 2017, 4:45 PM IST

Geneva: Women tend to be more generous than men, as selfish behaviour activates the brains reward system more strongly in men, scientists have found. Scientists from University of Zurich in Switzerland looked at the areas of the brain that are active when decisions of this kind are made.

The striatum, located in the middle of the brain, is responsible for the assessment of reward and is active whenever a decision is made. The findings show that the striatum was more strongly activated in female brains during prosocial decisions than during selfish decisions.

By contrast, selfish decisions led to a stronger activation of the reward system in male brains. In the second experiment, the reward system was disrupted by administering medication to the participants. Under these conditions, women behaved more selfishly, while men became more prosocial. The latter result surprised the researchers.

“These results demonstrate that the brains of women and men also process generosity differently at the pharmacological level,” Alexander Soutschek from University of Zurich. The results also have consequences for further brain research, with Soutschek stating that “future studies need to take into account gender differences more seriously,” Soutschek said.

Even if these differences are evident at the biological level, Soutschek warns against assuming that they must be innate or of evolutionary origin. “The reward and learning systems in our brains work in close cooperation,” said Soutschek.

“Empirical studies show that girls are rewarded with praise for prosocial behaviour, implying that their reward systems learn to expect a reward for helping behaviour instead of selfish behaviour,” he said.
“With this in mind, the gender differences that we observed in our studies could best be attributed to the different cultural expectations placed on men and women,” he added.

This learning account is also supported by findings that indicate significant differences in the sensitivity of the reward system to prosocial and selfish behaviour across cultures.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Kangana takes ‘demon’ jibe at MVA, says it lost Maharashtra for disrespecting women

Eastern states were considered backward earlier, I view them as India’s growth engine: PM Modi

Chennai Super Kings can use R Ashwin in a number of ways: Stephen Fleming

Two highway robbers shot at in Hubballi during spot inspection

Maharashtra Elections | Eknath Shinde elected as Shiv Sena legislature party leader

Ullal: Auto-rickshaw accident near Konaje claims driver’s life

Congress victory in bypolls not a clean chit to CM in MUDA case: R Ashoka

Related Articles More

Mangaluru: Campco opposes WHO’s claim of arecanut being carcinogenic

10 month baby gets new heart, new life

World COPD Day: Know your lung function

As Delhi chokes with dangerous pollution levels, doctors warn of health risks for all

World Diabetes Day 2024: Kasturba Hospital Manipal Hosts Zumba Session at Malpe Beach to Raise Diabetes Awareness

MUST WATCH

Coconut Flower

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar


Latest Additions

Will introspect, learn and rebuild NCP (SP) with renewed commitment: Sule

Vikram Gowda Encounter: Naxal rehabilitation and surrender committee reviews site, surveys tribal issues

Sambhal violence: Prohibitory orders issued, outsiders barred from entry till Nov 30

Geethartha Chinthane 104: The Power of Inner Inspiration to Face Challenges

Pakshikere Case: Bail granted to mother and daughter

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.