Why do women tend to cross their legs, while men sit with them open?

Posted by Martina Birk on Sunday, May 5, 2024
Notes and queriesHuman biology

Readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific concepts

While recently invigilating public examinations, I noticed that in almost all cases the young women sat with one leg crossed over the other, while the young men sat with their legs open. Is this instinctive? If so, what about cultures where people sit cross-legged? Nature or nurture?

Jane Ghosh, Bristol


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