Stubbornness

Some of us are so stubborn that it works against us. It's an ego thing, a human quality. In essence, we get in our own way. Why are we like that? Is it rooted in the need to control or the need to be right? Is it fear-based? Is it more common in males or femaies? What are the ramifications of being stubborn? Is stubborness every a good quality? If so, how? How can we stop stubbornness from negatively affecting our life, our future and our relationships?