Humanity is no more innately combative than it is
innately peaceable. Co-operation and aggression seem to be equally
important for the management of 'society, and we all have both
these potentials from birth, But a growing child is subject to
influences from parents, schools and older children; from the media
and war toys, as well as myths and stories that sanction and even
glorify war. As children grow up, the complementary forces of
co-operation and aggression tend to become polarized into passivity
and violence, and into male/female stereotypes. Boys are encouraged
to be competitive, forceful and acquisitive, while girls are
encouraged to be accommodating, soothing and supportive.
The UNESCO constitution begins with the words:
"Since wars begin in the minds of men (most women would surely
agree with this), it is in the minds of men that the defence of
peace must be constructed." But war is a social construct, and the
responsibility for bringing up children in the "cradle of
aggression"is as much held by women as it is by men.