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My partner's dad just said that when he was in the army his superiors told him that the reason women were not allowed on the front line because their skeletons are much more brittle than men's, therefore prone to more breakages, and they have many more pain receptors on the skin. Although pain is largely individual, the army recognise this sex difference and want to 'be safe'. Is there any truth in any of this 'male harder bones' theory?
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. - Elie Wiesel Posts: 1231 | From: England | Registered: Oct 2010
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I mean, older women are more prone to calcium loss/osteoporosis/brittle bones than older men, but I'm pretty sure there's no difference between men's and women's healthy bones. And I'm almost 100% sure that the pain receptors thing is completely false. But keep in mind that a generation ago, all sorts of pseudo-scientific made-up things were used to justify all manner of awfulness.
Posts: 97 | From: Virginia, USA | Registered: May 2011
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This is about as sound as the myth that women can't do things like work in jobs that require hard decisions because our hormones make us emotionally unstable.
Seriously, myth-city. Big time.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63243 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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It's interesting that you commented on this as the Australian government just made the decision this week to remove gender restrictions and allow women into all frontline military roles and special forces. However there are concerns about whether this will lead to increased female casualties. Other countries which already do this include Israel, Canada and New Zealand.
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