Gender Differences in Friendships No unread replies. No replies. : Course Help Online

Most women experience their closest friendships with those of the  same sex. Men have suffered more of a stigma in terms of sharing deep  bonds with other men. Open affection and connection is not actively  encouraged among men. Recent changes in society might impact this,  especially with the advent of the meterosexual male. “The meterosexual  male is less interested in blood lines, traditions, family, class,  gender, than in choosing who they want to be and who they want to be  with” (Vernon, 2010, p. 204).

Vernon, M. (2010). The Meaning of Friendship. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Chapter 6: Politics of Friendship. 

In this week’s reading material, the following philosophers discuss  their views on this topic: Simone de Beauvoir, Thomas Aquinas,  MacIntyre, Friedman, Hunt, and Foucault. Make sure to incorporate their  views as you answer each discussion question. Think about how their  views may be similar or different from your own. In at least 350 words  total, please answer each of the following, drawing upon your reading  materials and your personal insight:

• To what extent do you think women still have a better opportunity to  forge deeper friendships than men? What needs to change to level the  friendship playing field for men, if anything?
• How is the role of the meterosexual man helping to forge a new pathway for male friendships?