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.