David C. Geary, a Curator's Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri and an expert in evolutionary psychology, discusses evolving gender differences in Western societies. He explores how cognitive disparities and occupational roles have become more pronounced, despite strides toward equality. The conversation probes sexual selection, environmental pressures on traits, and the shifting career paths for women as barriers fall. Geary also addresses the implications of gender preferences in career divergence and the growing educational gap between sexes.
Evolved psychological differences between sexes are becoming more pronounced as social niches expand, revealing longstanding preferences previously suppressed by limited opportunities.
Cognitive disparities between men and women are increasingly evident in developed societies, influenced by environmental factors like health and nutrition, which affect skill expression.
Deep dives
Exploring Evolved Differences Between Sexes
Evolved psychological and behavioral differences between men and women are becoming more pronounced in Western societies, contrary to the belief that increased gender equality would reduce these gaps. As societies advance and become more egalitarian, research shows that individuals are increasingly expressing inherent preferences and traits that were previously unobserved due to limited opportunities. For example, women are now more likely to pursue fields like medicine rather than being restricted to traditional roles such as nursing. This shift indicates that the expansion of social niches allows for a clearer understanding of preferences that have always existed but were previously suppressed.
The Influence of Environmental Conditions
The differences in cognitive abilities between sexes, such as women's strengths in verbal skills and men's advantages in visual-spatial tasks, are amplified in developed regions with better living conditions. In less developed areas with higher disease burdens and nutritional challenges, these cognitive differences tend to diminish, suggesting a connection between environmental factors and cognitive expression. Specifically, as societal health improves, men and women are showing larger divergences in these skills, which raises questions about the underlying biological and evolutionary mechanisms. The findings indicate that factors such as nutrition and social stressors play a significant role in shaping these cognitive abilities.
Navigating Gender Preferences in Professions
As gender-specific preferences in occupational choices become clearer, a growing concern exists related to the polarization of male- and female-dominated fields. The underrepresentation of one gender in certain professions can discourage individuals from pursuing careers that do not align with their gender's traditional roles. For instance, while the number of women entering medicine has surpassed their male counterparts, fields like engineering continue to see low female participation despite qualifications. This division not only affects personal choices but also has implications for social dynamics in workplaces, as mixed-gender environments may lead to discomfort or misunderstandings due to inherent communication differences.
Iona Italia talks to evolutionary psychologist David C. Geary about why he believes evolved differences between the sexes have been growing more salient in western societies.