health
A Billion Years of Sex Differences by Steve Stewart-Williams review
A psychologist wades into controversial territory in this counterintuitive study of nature, nurture and gender
TL;DR
- Evolutionary psychologist Steve Stewart-Williams argues that most people misunderstand sex differences.
- Traditionalists exaggerate differences, while progressives minimize them, assuming nurture plays a decisive role.
- Stewart-Williams proposes a nuanced, scientifically rigorous approach based on evolutionary heritage.
- Some sex differences are pronounced (e.g., sexual attraction, height, aggression), while others are modest (e.g., math ability).
- He identifies biases like 'gamma bias' (minimizing positive male differences) and 'delta bias' (aversion to traditional differences).
- Stewart-Williams believes innate differences, not just social factors, contribute to differing occupational interests and representation in fields like STEM.
- He argues that sex differences persist historically, cross-culturally, mirror other species, appear early in life, and are influenced by prenatal hormones.
- The book suggests that interventions for issues like domestic violence should focus on male aggression and self-control rather than solely on patriarchy, although the author acknowledges the role of socialisation and culture.