Why are women frequently represented as the 'caring sex'?

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Why are women frequently represented as the 'caring sex'?

"I will greatly multiple thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thou desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thou"

Genesis, Old Testament, Holy Bible

Depending on the point of view taken any number of interpretations can be ascertained as to the reasons that women are considered to be the fairer, caring and weaker sex in comparison to their masculine, aggressive male counterparts.

Theories relating to gender roles can be loosely classed as being either biological in nature, or cultural. The viewpoint of the theorist will influence the nature of the assumptions made within the theory.

Biological theories can be seen to ascertain that gender differentiation of characteristics and traits are to be found at the genetic, biological foundation of human existence. Male characteristics are assumed to be genetically founded, as are the female traits, such as maternal instinct and altruism towards others.

Such biological theories as biological determinism argue that there is a genetically inherent aspect to the nature of gender roles that are associated with both males and females. Males are viewed to be