Counterpoint
Rebooting the Patriarchy
Oct 27, 2023
Science journalist Angela Saini discusses her book 'The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality' and how to reset gender norms. Topics include the role of size and physical strength in male domination, gender dynamics in India, revolution vs reform in challenging the patriarchy, unpaid labor, and the origins of patriarchy throughout history.
33:49
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Quick takeaways
- Biological differences in size or physical strength do not determine power dynamics in primate societies, challenging assumptions about male dominance.
- The roots of patriarchy can be traced back to the rise of early states, which prioritized population growth and defense, pressuring women to have more children and men to fight for the state.
Deep dives
The Evolutionary Roots of Gendered Behavior
In the podcast episode, Angela Saini discusses her book 'The Patriarchs,' which challenges assumptions about the patriarchy. She refers to a study on bonobo apes to demonstrate that not all primate species exhibit male dominance. Despite being slightly bigger, male bonobos do not hold authority, while older females do. Saini emphasizes that biological differences in size or physical strength do not necessarily determine power dynamics. She argues that even in human societies, leaders are often older individuals who build powerful networks and alliances.
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