Taking Sex Differences Seriously

Book Description
Most contemporary discussions of sex differences assume that they are determined by society rather than biology. It is society that teaches little girls to be feminine and little boys to be masculine--society that tells women to respond to babies and men to respond to sports. Reflecting the fashionable idea that male and female roles have been "socially constructed," most commentators speak of gender instead of sex. Because men and women are virtually interchangeable, so the argument goes, men should do an equal share of domestic and childrearing work so that women can compete equally outside the home There's only one problem with this beguiling vision of androgyny. Whatever we might like to believe, as Dr. Steven Rhoads shows, sex distinctions remain a deeply rooted part of human nature. In "Taking Sex Differences Seriously," Rhoads assembles a wealth of scientific evidence showing that these differences are "hardwired" into our biology. They range from the subtle (men get a chemical high from winning while women get one from nursing) to the profound (women with high testosterone levels are more promiscuous, more competitive, and more conflicted about having children than those with average levels.) Rhoads explores disparities in aggression and dominance, in sexuality and nurturing. He shows how denial of these differences has helped to create the sexual revolution, fatherless families, and policies such as Title IX, and the call for universal day care. But while insisting that we must take sex differences seriously, Rhoads also advocates discouraging some natural tendencies, like men's desire for irresponsible sex, and encouraging others, like women's greater interest and talent in caring for babies. In this provocative exploration of the masculine and feminine, Steven Rhoads dispels contemporary clichés and spotlights biological realities. Meticulously researched and elegantly written, "Taking Sex Differences Seriously" is a groundbreaking look at the way we are.


Download Description
Dr. Steven E. Rhoads explores male/female disparities in aggression and dominance, in sexuality and nurturing. He shows how denial of these differences has affected phenomena such as the sexual revolution and fatherless families, and policies such as Title IX and the call for universal day care. But he also says that society is improved by discouraging some natural tendencies, like men's temptation toward predatory sex, and encouraging others, like women's greater interest and talent in caring for babies. Steven Rhoads dispels social clichés and spotlights biological realities in this provocative book. Meticulously researched and elegantly written, "Taking Sex Differences Seriously" is a groundbreaking look at the way we are.


About the Author
Steven Rhoads has taught public policy at the University of Virginia for over thirty years. His essays have appeared in the "New York Times," the "Public Interest" and other publications. His books include "The Economist's View of the World" and "Incomparable Worth: Pay Equity Meets the Market."


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Rhoads (public policy, U. of Virginia) cites a variety of scientific studies and social attitude surveys to support his argument that there are fundamental differences between men and women that should be reflected in constructions of family responsibility and public policy. Dismissing the idea that gender is socially constructed, he argues that men care more about dominance and women about nurturing. This argument leads to a variety of conclusions related to such issues as women's sports and Title IX ("a pernicious form of social engineering"), day care policy, and other topics. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


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