Final answer:
Recent research indicates that while there may be some slight differences in how men and women process information, these are largely influenced by cultural factors rather than biological ones. Studies by researchers such as Tannen, Gilligan, Hyde, and Fausto-Sterling showed that any observed differences are minor and often a product of socialization. In family spending, gender can influence decisions, with women's control over finances often leading to different spending patterns and better children's health outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the cognitive structuring in terms of male and female segments, recent research challenges outdated notions that males and females process information in drastically different ways due to biological differences. Studies by researchers such as Tannen, Gilligan, and Hyde have emphasized that gender differences in communication and cognition are more often cultural rather than biological, and when discrepancies do appear, they are minor.
Deborah Tannen's research suggests that different communicative subcultures exist for American men and women, influencing why and how they participate in conversations. Meanwhile, Carol Gilligan critiqued Kohlberg's theory on moral development, proposing that men and women may approach ethical dilemmas with different priorities but not necessarily with an inferior moral reasoning. Gilligan emphasized the importance women place on the interconnectedness and the diligent maintenance of relationships. Moreover, Janet Hyde's meta-analysis found minimal differences in the language abilities of men and women, thus refuting many preconceived notions about gender-linked language abilities.
Research by Anne Fausto-Sterling and on cross-cultural studies imply that while there may be initial differences in certain cognitive skills like spatial abilities, these are often due to environmental factors such as parenting styles and educational opportunities. Therefore, statements suggesting intrinsic cognitive processing differences between men and women do not hold up strongly against empirical data. In terms of familial spending decisions relating to gender, though not comprehensive, available studies show that women's control over household income can influence spending habits and children's health outcomes, indicating a relationship between who manages the finances and family welfare.