What Works Making Intelligence Masculine Again
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Jan 15, 2026 Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the 'Great Feminization' and its impact on workplace culture. Explore Mark Zuckerberg's call for more 'masculine energy' in business and the backlash against this idea. Unpack the role of AI in potentially re-establishing a masculine workplace, questioning traditional views of intelligence. The episode critiques the 'Paperclip Maximizer' thought experiment and addresses the disconnection brought by mind-body dualism. Finally, the conversation encourages a balance between rational and relational intelligence in our evolving work environment.
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Feminization Framed As Institutional Decline
- The "Great Feminization" frames empathy, consensus, and safety as institutional problems rather than strengths.
- Tara McMullin argues this framing is a backlash that misreads diverse workplace values as weakness.
Masculine Energy As Backlash Rhetoric
- Mark Zuckerberg's call for more "masculine energy" echoes the same backlash against perceived feminization.
- McMullin connects this rhetoric to male anxiety about losing status in workplaces reshaped by different values.
Paperclip Thought Shows Narrow Intelligence
- The paperclip maximizer thought experiment exposes a narrow, goal-only model of intelligence.
- McMullin says this model neglects context, embodiment, and the rich complexity of intelligence.
