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4 - Does biology play any role in sex differences in the mind?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

By
Simon Baron-Cohen
Edited by
Jude Browne
Simon Baron-Cohen
Affiliation:
Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, University of Cambridge
Jude Browne
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

There are interesting differences between the average male and female mind. Recognizing these could lead to mutual respect of difference. In using the word ‘average’ I am from the outset recognizing that such differences may have little to say about individuals. In addition, the differences are subtle, and are to do with the relative proportions of different drives in the typical male and female mind. The field of sex differences in psychology in the 1960s and '70s was so conflict ridden as to make an open-minded debate about any possible role of biology contributing to psychological sex differences impossible. Those who explored the role of biology – even whilst acknowledging the importance of culture – found themselves accused of defending an essentialism that perpetuated inequalities between the sexes, and of oppression. Not a climate in which scientists can ask questions about mechanisms in nature. Today, the pendulum has settled sensibly in the middle of the nature–nurture debate, and scientists who care deeply about ending inequality and oppression can at the same time also talk freely about biological differences between the male and female brain and mind.

My own view is that the field of sex differences in mind needs to proceed in a fashion that is sensitive to this history of conflict by cautiously looking at the evidence and being careful not to overstate what can be concluded. Once again, the evidence says nothing about individuals.

Type
Chapter
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The Future of Gender , pp. 77 - 97
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2007

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