Mere Fidelity

The World Is The Wrong Shape For Women with Leah Sargeant

13 snips
Dec 3, 2025
Leah Sargeant, author of The Dignity of Dependence, dives deep into the complexities of dependence and gender dynamics. She argues that the world is designed for male bodies, exposing the need for inclusive design. Leah discusses how pregnancy illustrates universal dependence and the risks of reducing women to interchangeable roles with men. The conversation also explores the dangers of market-driven relationships and advocates for mutual aid. Skeptic about artificial wombs, Leah believes true dignity lies in acknowledging and embracing our interconnectedness.
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INSIGHT

Equality Without Interchangeability

  • Women's equality should not be premised on being interchangeable with men.
  • Leah Sargeant argues justice requires honoring differences without ranking sexes.
INSIGHT

Designs Default To Male Bodies

  • The built world still defaults to male bodies in many designs.
  • Leah notes delayed testing like female-calibrated crash dummies shows embodiment matters.
ANECDOTE

House Hunting Reoriented By Dependence

  • Leah describes house-hunting and anticipating accessibility for aging relatives.
  • Thinking about stairs changed priorities after imagining caregiving with infant car seats and an elderly father.
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