In today's episode, Dr. Joyce Benenson offers a deep dive into her groundbreaking research on the differences between men and women. She shares surprising findings that challenge common beliefs, such as the discovery that young boys and men are highly communal, caring, and cooperative, contrasting with the common stereotype of men we have in our minds.
We explore the unique ways men and women form relationships and alliances. Dr. Benenson also delves into the fascinating world of female intersexual competition, revealing that women do compete as much as men do, but using more subtle strategies.
This conversation covers a range of intriguing topics, including gender dynamics, the evolution of the human brain for social navigation, and the sensitivity of women to threats, which might influence their behaviour in avoiding controversy or cancelling dissenting voices.
Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion that will challenge your perceptions and deepen your understanding of gender differences and evolutionary biology that dives us all.
Here are the Highlights:
01:51 Women do compete as much as men do but they use more subtle strategies.
08:54 Ancient evidence supports shift in gender dynamics.
15:01 Unveiling Female Intersexual Competition: Subtle and Indirect Forms
29:42 Material possessions and status don't lessen competitiveness.
35:42 Long human childhood leads to bigger brains.
42:14 Gender Differences in Competition and Self-Protection
47:58 The Role of Emotional Upset in Cancel Culture
53:44 The Importance of Understanding Evolutionary Biology
57:34 Questioning personality traits tested in different contexts.
01:03:59 Research focuses on sex ratios and alliances.
About Joyce
Dr. Joyce Benenson is a lecturer in Human Evolutionary Biology Department at Harvard University. Her research focuses on the development of human social structures, emphasizing sex differences in competition and cooperation, drawing insights from non-human primates, especially chimpanzees. She teaches courses on Primate Development and Mammalian Behavior.
Dr. Benenson began studying children's interactions at the age of 19 as an undergraduate at Duke University. After earning her Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1988, she held various academic positions including post-doctoral researcher at Radcliffe College, assistant professor at the University of Hartford, assistant and associate professor at McGill University in Canada, reader in Ethology at the University of Plymouth in England, and full professor of Psychology at Emmanuel College in Boston.
Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warriors-Worriers-Survival-Joyce-Benenson/dp/0199972230
About Kat Kuczynska
Successful entrepreneur and a mother turns into a wisdom seeker to figure out how to thrive in an ever-changing and challenging world.
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