I wrote about the Cockburn/Oakley piece when it came out: http://graunwatch.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/whose-masculinity-is-it-anyway/

as for Kira Cochrane, I find it impossible to read her nowadays! But you’re right she is worse on this subject than Mr Fogg

Because the science of psychological gender differences is fogged with political concerns, it’s hard to get a clear picture from all the research. So some of my comments on that subject MAY seem like a shot in the dark – or more likely, the accusation of believing in old-fashioned gender roles will be thrown my way, as if no further argument were necessary.

Nevertheless, looking at other species, especially primates (our closest relatives), at differences in brain structure and function between the sexes, and at different behaviours that still persist, I think we have to admit that significant gender differences are a much better scientific hypothesis than any blank-slate theory.

I once discussed this with a female psychologist who accepted that there were differences, but waved them away as unimportant – for her everything was secondary to the politics. It’s very common, and one root cause of the problems that I think we agree upon.

We need some research done, that hopefully doesn’t have a pre-agreed agenda, to really understand suicide by both genders. If there are differences then we need to find ways that work for both – the ‘one size fits all because that’s my political agenda’ approach is hurting people and not serving anybody. It may well be that the provision for women needs addressing too, but without something solid to draw conclusions from it’s just speculating.