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Scientific studies suggest men generally have a better sense of direction than women, and use that sense of direction more effectively. Kind of makes you wonder where the "fails to ask for directions" trope comes from! :) https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2015/12/10/do-...

And yes - I know it didn't PROVE men have a better sense, it suggests that based on the effects of hormones administered to women.

I'd guess the trope comes from a combination of men traditionally doing more of the driving and having a stronger desire to figure out problems on their own.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are a number of confounding factors that skew male, such TV shows/movies/video games marketed to men that feature Iran and/or the region.

I have been surprised to discover how many people know very little about geography but even more surprised to learn what a high proportion of people who do know geography know it mostly from military history, which is a stereotypically masculine interest.