By Leony R. Garcia
In the news recently—and some women went gaga over it—is a research’s finding that a mother’s genetics determines how clever her children would become.
“Women are more likely to transmit intelligence genes to their children because they are carried on the X chromosome and women have two of these, while men only have one,” said the web site, Independent (www.independent.co.uk). Aside from clinical studies, the report said researchers at The University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK, interviewed 12,686 young people between the ages of 14 and 22 every year from 1994.
“Despite taking into account several factors, from the participant’s education to their race and socio-economic status, the team still found the best predictor of intelligence was the IQ of the mother,” it said.
Moreover, mothers have also been found to play an extremely significant role in the non-genetic part of intelligence, with some studies suggesting a secure bond between mother and child is intimately tied to intelligence.
It was the researchers at the University of Washington this time who found that a secure emotional bond between a mother and child is crucial for the growth of some parts of the brain. They did it by analyzing the way a group of mothers related to their children for seven years. The researchers found children who were supported emotionally and had their intellectual needs fulfilled had a 10-percent larger hippocampus at 13 on average than children whose mothers were emotionally distant. The hippocampus is an area of the brain associated with memory, learning and stress response.
“A strong bond with the mother is thought to give a child a sense of security, which allows them to explore the world and the confidence to solve problems. In addition, devoted, attentive mothers tend to help children solve problems, further helping them to reach their potential,” the report stressed.
So women, are we happy that it’s us that make our children intelligent, secured and confident? Could this be the trophy we want for devoting so much of our time rearing our little ones?
Behind every successful individual is a woman
I know this may sound cliché, but I believe in my heart that a woman’s primary place is the home to nurture the family, guide the children and inspire the man of the family.
Majority of women are considered to excel at “nurturing competencies,” such as having innate care for others, developing, inspiring and motivating others, building relationship, collaboration and teamwork. These competencies which extend to the workplace highlight that women are seen as more effective in getting things done, being role models and delivering results.
These skills also describe leaders who take on difficult challenges, ensure that people act with integrity, and who simply achieve challenging results.
Perhaps it is for these qualities that many women today take on various significant roles and top executive posts in offices both in the government and private sectors.
Moreover, women being the primary decision-makers in many household issues (especially in the absence of men) are now also given the chance to rein in various industries, which are male-dominated.
Women’s equality to benefit everyone
This year, as the International Women’s Month and Women’s Equality Day are celebrated simultaneously around the globe to promote a more just and compassionate world for women and for all, Futures (www.futureswithoutviolence.org) has cited five reasons to bridge the gap on gender inequality. Despite the changing times, women’s search for equality in terms of education, career and opportunities remain to be a big issue in many parts of the world.
In developed countries, women receive more college degrees (and have higher IQs on average) than men, which means bridging the gap between male and female CEOs and political leaders may suggest more educated people in power. Women in business have demonstrated that they are an asset as managers, investors and leaders, it said.
Countries that actively include women in the workforce have more economic growth than countries that don’t. The World Bank found that for every 1 percent increase in the population of girls educated, a country’s GDP increases by .3 percent, according to Futures. When economies grow, there are more employment opportunities, social services and development for everyone to enjoy.
Companies managed by women report more motivated workers and higher productivity than those managed by men. Though the reasons are still contested, a Gallup poll found that individuals with female managers were 6 pecent more engaged than those with male leaders. Similar studies have found that women may be more affirming, and check in with their employees more often than male managers do, which results in motivation, interest and higher productivity.
Women are smart investors, and studies show that they make better financial decisions than men. A seven-year study found that single female investors and female-led investment groups outperformed their male counterparts when it came to stock picking.
Countries that educate women have better economies, healthier citizen, and less violence than those that don’t. Evidence shows that when girls are educated, economies improve, both because of their new ability to enter the skilled workforce and because educated women raise educated children. Investing in women is investing in the future economy and workforce. Beyond the financial motivations, each additional year of girls’ education lowers infant mortality by 5 to 10 percent. The amount of families in poverty also decreases, as educated women wait longer to get married and have fewer children, Futures stated.