Second to fourth digit ratios, sex differences, and behavior in Chinese men and women.
The ratio of the length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D ratio) is consistently smaller in men than in women. Additionally, within each sex, smaller digit ratios may be associated with higher testosterone levels and/or more masculine attitudes and behaviors, although these findings are less consistent. We assessed 2D:4D ratios, together with measures of masculine attitudes and behaviors, in an ethnically homogeneous population of 118 men and 103 women, aged 21-38, all heterosexual and right-handed, in Beijing, China. In men, we also measured salivary testosterone levels. As predicted, men displayed significantly smaller 2D:4D ratios than women (pB.0001 in both hands). Within each sex, however, 2D:4D ratios, measures of masculine characteristics, and salivary testosterone showed no significant associations with one another. These latter null findings may partially reflect cultural differences in definitions of "masculinity".
Yang
Chi-Fu Jeffrey
CF
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Gray
Peter B
PB
Zhang
Jianxin
J
Pope
Harrison G
HG
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D044466:Asian People; D001519:Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013739:Testosterone / Q000032:analysis; D055815:Young Adult
D013739:Testosterone