Why do men and women think they are "equal" to each other? Are they?

We are equal we're just not the same. just how all people are equal and no one means more than another person objectively. Of course subjectively we're all different and we will of course think our friennds and loved ones matter more than some stranger, but we are essentially of the same value to one another and all deserve the same rights. Our individual differences occur in us all, they're not just based on our gender.

This is a huge question. The world is full of in equality. Humans as a species seem to be on a continual search for identity. Identity becomes clearer if you can compare or contrast yourself to something else. The more apparent the difference between two subjects ie different colour, race, belief, gender the easier it is to say 'I am not like that, I fit into this catagoury'. Self esteem can be constructed by identifying with a particular group and maintained by ensuring that your 'group' is superior another. Some men are better at some things than some women and some women are better than men at some things.

The question of equality arises if a particular group of people are threatened or being oppressed by another group. Conflit arises when the oppressing force is challenged, and battle ensues as the oppressing force tries to maintain the homeostasis. To define whether men and women are equal we have to define exactly what equality means relating to the two groups.

Although; I have an idea of why men and women think they are equal to each other; I don't know the true answer, a theory is not an answer. Are they equal to each other? That depends upon what we are talking about; for instance we are equal in those things that are naturally incumbent upon us all, as in eating, sleeping, having sex; meaning we all have those drives, though not equally at the same time. However, we will never be equal emotionally and or physically, in thought and or desire; one is always going to be more worthier than the other; thus we have monarchies, the rich and the poor; someone is always going to be better or someone is always going to be worse.

Somewhere along the way and incessantly screaming equality confusion set in. When talk of equality started, it was referred to equal rights. Then somehow in confusion it became the believe that men and women are equal. No 2 persons are equal.

Men and women are like cat and dog . Different but equal in value . You would not use a dog to catch a mouse or a cat to deter burglars . Men and women have different roles to play , different but of equal value

Men and women are people.

People overall form bonds that can benefit, or fail to benefit each other.

Therefore men and women can be equal, or they can fail at it, in terms of what they take from each other, in terms of what they give to each other.

Are they equal - they can be.

Women have been considered second-class citizens in various parts of the world at various times. But then again so have men.

I'm an Equalist so I believe that men and women are born different but are of equal worth and deserving of fair treatment under just laws.

@TRACY: If you were half as clever as you think you are you would not write three quarters of the nonsensical drivel that you do.

Of course we are equal - we just have our differences unique to each sex. It's what makes the world go round.

Because all people regardless of class, sex etc are equal but that doesn't have to mean they are the same. We are all individuals but when it comes to legal, social etc then people should all be treated equally.

Of course BUT, some are more equal than others.