Rude, aggressive men cannot help it - they are born that way, according to scientists from the Institute of Child Health in London.

They say it is the X chromosome, inherited from his mother, in a boy's XY genetic make-up that makes him insensitive.

It is all in the genes: BBC Radio's Today programme explains

The discovery came when the researchers were looking into a genetic disorder in girls called Turner's syndrome.

Girls with Turner's have only one complete X chromosome. If it is inherited from their mother - like men - their most notable symptom is a lack of social skills, butting in and misreading moods.

Countless men will no doubt be delighted at the scientists' claims. But can men really not help being socially inept and offensive? Are beastly boys born not made?

Rival scientists are cynical about the research team's claim that rude behaviour in men is natural.

Many women would shout down the suggestion too - angered by what they see as another easy excuse for louts.

But many men would defend their macho, laddish behaviour.

Women, they argue, spend too much time complaining that men do not understand. Now it is time the tables were turned.

So how does the head of the research team David Scuse explain the existence of sensitive men?

He does not. A social gene, he says, only sets the stage. How the players turn out depends on their environment.

Men, he says, can be taught social skills but, like some Turner's girls, "they are not very good at them in the first place."

What do you think?

Are men born to be rude?

Your reaction in full

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | ©