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Gender differences are often framed as nature vs nurture, boys will be boys etc, with testosterone bearing much of the nature side. Cordelia Fine debunks much of this with science, highlighting that there are few universal truths, and everything is more complicated than popsci makes it out to be. And yet, simpler. Culture >> biological differences. Well worth reading, and it was especially good to read in parallel with The Power.

One word - Wow. This book takes a very well researched and psychologically 'backed up' approach to our modern gendered mindsets, concisely giving feedback as to how they harm not only women (althought mostly women) but also the men of today. This is an amazing and necessary read for literally anyone, whether you identify as a feminist or not.

Just brilliant.

Looking forward to reading this book: won a science prize this week.

just one of many important points that Fine highlights in hilarious ways.
"None of which is to say..." ?

Well that's quite the opening!

I learnt so much from this book about the brain, hormones, evolution and how it all works together to make us what we are, and about how the differences between women and men (including the supposed existence of a male and female brain) are more of a social construct rather than fixed differences. It challenges what we perceive as "natural" and I'd definitely recommend it to those interested in gender politics and the science of the body.

😂

This is a much needed review of the outdated scientific interpretations of the roll of testosterone on behavior. From the earliest experiments Fine shows how value laden and culturally reinforcing many of these "scientific" experiments are. This book should be required reading for parents, teachers, politicians, religious leaders (honestly everybody) or anybody who has a roll in legislating or shaping the gendered experiences of people.