Exascale supercomputers amp up science, finally growing dolomite in the lab, and origins of patriarchy
Nov 23, 2023
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Bigger supercomputers aid scientific advancements. Solving the Dolomite problem in labs. Origins of patriarchy and gendered power structures. Impact of the state on patriarchy. Shifting dynamics in post-revolution Iran.
Exascale supercomputers revolutionize scientific modeling and simulations, allowing for more precise and comprehensive predictions.
The origins of patriarchy are complex and influenced by factors such as the emergence of the state and colonial powers.
Gender relations are dynamic, and historical examples show the potential for progress and dismantling gender inequality.
Deep dives
The Influence of Exascale Computers in Advancing Science
Exascale computers, capable of performing a quintillion calculations per second, are revolutionizing scientific modeling and simulations. The power of these supercomputers allows scientists to achieve finer resolution and broader scope in their simulations. With exascale computers, researchers can delve into advanced simulations, such as climate prediction with sharper resolution and longer time horizons, or studying the behavior of electrons in materials. The unique capabilities of exascale computers offer new insights and drive scientific progress.
Challenging the Origins of Patriarchy
The origins of patriarchy are complex and cannot be attributed to a single event or factor. Contrary to common beliefs, physical strength alone does not determine social hierarchies. Evidence suggests that the emergence of the state played a significant role in the development of gender inequality. The state's interest in population growth and defense contributed to gendered divisions and expectations. However, it is essential to recognize that different societies have exhibited diverse gender norms and variations throughout history, and patriarchy is not a universal or static phenomenon.
Gender Inequality and Colonialism
Colonial powers have perpetuated gender inequality through their influence on indigenous societies. Indigenous societies often held more egalitarian gender structures, which conflicted with the patriarchal norms imposed by colonial powers. By labeling indigenous societies as primitive and enforcing patriarchal ideals, colonial powers attempted to civilize them into accepting patriarchal norms. These attempts had long-lasting consequences, leaving marks on gender relations and perpetuating inequalities.
The Impact of State Interests on Gender Inequality
The emergence of the state marked a turning point in gender inequality. States' focus on population growth and defense led to gendered expectations and divisions of labor. The pressure on women to bear more children and men to defend the state created gender norms that persisted over time. However, it is crucial to distinguish that these gender norms varied across different states and regions, demonstrating the complexity and diversity of patriarchy.
The Shifts and Challenges in Gender Relations
Gender relations are subject to constant renegotiation and change. Historical examples, such as the shifts in gender norms during the Russian Revolution and the impact of socialism on women's rights, demonstrate the potential for progress and transformation. Despite challenges and setbacks, people's resistance to unfair societies and their inherent sense of injustice offer hope for the future in challenging and dismantling gender inequality.
A leap in supercomputing is a leap for science, cracking the dolomite problem, and a book on where patriarchy came from
First up on this week’s show, bigger supercomputers help make superscience. Staff Writer Robert F. Service joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss how the first exascale computer is enabling big leaps in scientists’ models of the world.
Finally, books host Angela Saini is back but this time she’s in the hot seat talking about her own book, The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality. Science Books Editor Valerie Thompson and host Sarah Crespi chat with Angela about what history, archaeology, and biology reveal about where and when patriarchy started. See our whole series of books podcasts on sex, gender, and science.
This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.
