Chapter 2 Flashcards
What was the view of sex before the 19th century?
God created man and woman for different purposes.
How did Darwins theories contribute to the gender divide?
He argued that biologically, women had less mental capacity, and were more tender and less selfish. He also argued men were more selfish, competitive, and ambitious.
Define social Darwinism.
An ideology based loosely on Darwins evolutionary processes which explains the biological differences and inequalities between sexes, genders, ethnicities, etc.
What is sociobiology? Who helped create this field?
The study of the biological basis of behavior in all organisms, including humans. Created by Edward O Wilson.
What do sociobiologists argue as the reason for gender inequities?
They say it is due to the most advantageous evolutionary choices being made by men and women. “Female exploitation starts here.”
Define the field of evolutionary psychology.
Defines psychological traits as evolutionary adaptations. Pertains to differences in men and women.
What did David Buss’ survey of mating habits among human cultures highlight?
He surveyed 10,000 people from over 37 cultures, and found they all share commonalities in what men and women want in a mate.
Women want a mate with = high economic prosperity, love and kindness
Men want a mate with = young and beautiful features, large breasts and large hips, love and kindness
True or false: men typically have a better visuospatial ability.
True.
What is stereotype threat? And how does it affect gendered performance?
The reminder of the stereotype that stands against a demographic, which then causes that demographic to subject to the stereotype. Ie reminding women of their “bad at math” stereotype makes them bad at math.
What did physicist Norman Geschwind argue about men and women’s brains?
That men’s brains are more lateralized, having a more advanced right brain versus the left brain. He argues women’s brains are not like this, not lateralized but balanced. Later research trumped this idea.
What are some criticisms of analyzing the brain as being sexually divided?
The research disproves each other, many researchers got results that women have the lateralized brains, but other results showed men did. Other researchers say the study is “neurosexist”.
How much testosterone do men have in comparison to women?
About 10x. But this varies.
True or false: Testosterone causes aggression.
False. Neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky says the aggression comes first, then the testosterone is released which exacerbates the aggression.
Define biological essentialism.
Basically the same as biological determinism. Social relations are related to biology.
