The study from Tulane University showed that men and women build friendships differently: women value diversity and emotional support, while men seek stability and joint activities.
How the Study Was Conducted
The team from Tulane University in Louisiana involved more than 600 participants of different ages, social statuses, and backgrounds. The study consisted of several stages:
- Survey on Friendship Relationships. Participants were asked about their social circle, alignment of views with friends, and the importance of diverse opinions.
- Scenario Simulations. Subjects were asked to imagine situations where they needed to gather a group of friends with similar or opposing views to study their choices.
- Interviews. Conversations were held about motivations in choosing friends and criteria for the significance of relationships.
The results were analyzed considering gender differences and psychological communication models.
What the Study Showed
Women: Diversity and Emotional Support
- Value friends with different views for personal and intellectual development.
- Friendship is built on emotional support and idea exchange.
- Their social circle is usually diverse in age, professions, and beliefs.
Men: Stability and Joint Activities
- Prefer friends who share their views and lifestyle.
- Seek comfort, reliability, and willingness for joint actions or risks.
- Less frequently touch on conflict topics even in friendships.
Key Gender Differences
- Women more often seek emotional depth and diversity of opinions, while men bond through common interests and activities.
- Only 15% of men consider it important to have friends with opposing views, compared to 40% of women.
- Women have a more diverse circle of friends, while men prefer harmonious communication without conflicts.
Quote from the Researcher: "Men build friendships based on similar behaviors and common goals, while women seek connections that bring new perspectives. This highlights the value of diversity in social relationships, especially for women." — Professor James Alm, Tulane University.
Conclusion
Even if it is more comfortable to communicate with like-minded individuals, openness to new ideas helps develop empathy, critical thinking, and makes life richer.
Source: news.hochu.ua
