Gender differences in aggression

Abstract

Studies on gender differences in aggressive behavior are examined. In proportions of their total aggression scores, boys and girls are verbally about equally aggressive, while boys are more physically and girls more indirectly aggressive. There are genetic determinants of both physical and indirect aggression, suggesting that both types of aggression give evolutionary advantages. Analyses of 2D:4D finger length ratios indicate that the prenatal hormonal environment is crucial for the development of these aggressive strategies.