S/He Brain: Science, Sexual Politics, and the Myths of Feminism

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

During the 1960s, Margaret Mead's argument that gender identity is almost entirely a product of learning in particular cultural contexts was incorporated into the "sex/gender system" in feminist theory. In this system, sex refers to physiological differences in the domain of the body, and gender refers to learned behaviour in the domain of the mind. This "two domain distinction" allows sex-specific bodies to be viewed as separate and distinct from gender-neutral minds. The distinction also legitimates the idea that biological reality is wholly independent of gender identity. In this book, Nadeau argues that, far from bringing about an armistice in the war between the sexes, the "gender/sex" construction has escalated the conflict. His intent in "S/He Brain" is to show, first, that the "gender/sex" construction is not in accord with biological reality and, second, that an improved understanding of the relationship between sex and gender could enlarge the bases for meaningful dialogue and lead to new standards of sexual equality.

Reviews

In this closely reasoned--and likely to be controversial--report, Nadeau contends that biological differences between male and female brains do indeed bear on differences in male and female behavior.-Publishers Weekly
"In this closely reasoned--and likely to be controversial--report, Nadeau contends that biological differences between male and female brains do indeed bear on differences in male and female behavior."-Publishers Weekly

Author Bio

ROBERT L. NADEAU, a Professor and interdisciplinary scholar at George Mason University, works to bridge the gap between the two cultures of the humanities and the sciences./e His research and writing explore the societal impacts of advances in science and technology.