Cordelia Fine's "Testosterone Rex" challenges the ingrained myths surrounding sex differences, arguing against the notion of inherent biological predispositions shaping gender roles. The book delves into evolutionary science, psychology, neuroscience, endocrinology, and philosophy to present a more nuanced perspective. Fine dismantles the simplistic narrative of testosterone as the sole determinant of masculinity, demonstrating the complex interplay of biology, environment, and social factors. She highlights the significant influence of cultural norms and expectations in shaping gender roles and behaviors, advocating for a more equitable society that recognizes the full potential of both sexes. Ultimately, "Testosterone Rex" promotes a more dynamic understanding of gender, moving beyond the restrictive binary and embracing the diversity of human experience.
Many people believe that, at its core, biological sex is a fundamental, diverging force in human development. According to this overly familiar story, differences between the sexes are shaped by past evolutionary pressures―women are more cautious and parenting-focused, while men seek status to attract more mates. In each succeeding generation, sex hormones and male and female brains are thought to continue to reinforce these unbreachable distinctions, making for entrenched inequalities in modern society.
In Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society (Norton, 2018), psychologist Cordelia Fine wittily explains why past and present sex roles are only serving suggestions for the future, revealing a much more dynamic situation through an entertaining and well-documented exploration of the latest research that draws on evolutionary science, psychology, neuroscience, endocrinology, and philosophy. She uses stories from daily life, scientific research, and common sense to break through the din of cultural assumptions. Testosterone, for instance, is not the potent hormonal essence of masculinity; the presumed, built-in preferences of each sex, from toys to financial risk taking, are turned on their heads.
Moving beyond the old “nature versus nurture” debates, Testosterone Rex disproves ingrained myths and calls for a more equal society based on both sexes’ full, human potential.
Cordelia Fine is a Canadian-born British philosopher of science, psychologist, and writer. She is a full professor in the History and Philosophy of Science programme at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter.
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