Scientific research is challenging the long-held belief that women are naturally more empathetic than men, suggesting that socialisation and environment play a major role in shaping empathy.
While women often score slightly higher on empathy tests, experts say the difference is small and varies widely among individuals. Studies show that only about 10% of variation in empathy is due to genetics, with the remainder influenced by upbringing, societal expectations, and personal experiences.
Researchers note that girls are often encouraged from a young age to be nurturing and sensitive, while boys are socialised to prioritise independence and assertiveness. Hormonal factors, such as prenatal testosterone exposure, may influence tendencies toward systemising or empathising, but they do not fully determine empathy.
Empathy is also malleable and can be developed through motivation, reflection, and learning, experts say. Men’s empathy levels, for example, can improve when societal expectations encourage caring and emotional awareness.
The findings highlight how gender stereotypes about emotional traits can affect leadership, workplace dynamics, and personal relationships, while emphasising that empathy is a dynamic skill, not a fixed trait.
With inputs from BBC