Chapter 1: The Origins of Gender

For the initial seven weeks in the womb, all humans begin as female. However, some develop male characteristics later due to the influence of the Y chromosome. This biological foundation underpins the story of Adam's rib—men emerge from women.

Angela Saini, a distinguished British science journalist, articulates these ideas in her compelling book, Inferior. Her work challenges the notion that women are inherently less intelligent or capable than men. If you read her books, including Inferior and Superior, you'll find refreshing insights that will open your mind, unless you're firmly rooted in outdated views about race and gender.

Saini meticulously cites her sources and carefully navigates the complexities of race, gender, and sex differences. In Inferior, she dismantles the myth of female inferiority, particularly in the realm of intelligence. As a father of three daughters, I can personally attest to the fallacy of such beliefs.

Saini also touches upon the transgender debate, encouraging readers to reconsider their positions. Whether you find yourself mocking transgender individuals or staunchly defending their rights, Saini prompts critical reflection on these issues. Her work has empowered me to break free from the constraints of racist, sexist, and transphobic ideologies, clarifying my stance on social and cultural matters.

Recently, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard tweeted her disillusionment with the Democratic Party, claiming it denies objective truths like the differences between men and women. While I cannot speak to instances of silencing, Gabbard's viewpoint reflects a misunderstanding of the complexities involved.

Saini has also addressed the cultural acceptance of transgender identities in her writing. In India, where her parents hail from, the hijra community—a group of transgender and non-binary individuals—has long been woven into the cultural fabric, despite facing marginalization. In contrast, the UK has historically offered little acceptance, forcing individuals to conceal their identities due to fear of ostracism.

Chapter 2: The Myth of Male Superiority

Saini's research consistently refutes the idea that men hold superiority over women. The disparities between genders are largely the result of cultural and social constructs, rather than inherent biological differences. These constructs maintain the status quo of a patriarchal society.

Saini emphasizes that societal inequalities often lead people to believe that biological factors underpin gender differences. In a 2018 Guardian article, she stated, "We are not as different as the inequalities in our society make us believe we are."

She challenges the perception of significant gaps in skills such as spatial awareness, mathematical reasoning, and verbal abilities between men and women, asserting that these differences are minimal. The inequalities we witness in society today cannot be attributed to biological variance but are instead rooted in societal customs.

Chapter 3: Deconstructing Patriarchal Myths

Saini's work in Inferior is particularly effective in dismantling patriarchal myths. The stereotype that women naturally prefer domestic roles is a product of a male-dominated society, not a biological imperative. Historical evidence suggests that men also have a deep desire to nurture children, challenging traditional gender roles.

Our current societal structures are dictated by cultural norms rather than biological differences. These norms often serve to uphold male privilege, particularly among white men. For generations, flawed studies and biased narratives have perpetuated the idea of male superiority, a notion popularized by figures like Darwin.

Fortunately, women scientists, including Saini, are now exposing these fallacies and demonstrating their harmful impact. As Saini argues in Superior, science—rather than outdated biases—should guide our understanding of gender differences.

Other Sources

• “Evolutionary perspectives on human sex differences and their discontents,” JULIEN DELHEZ; Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Eichweg 19, 37077 Göttingen, Germany (Received: 15 March 2019; Accepted: 03 May 2019)