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Episode 77: Joyce Benenson - The Differences Between Men and Women

Apr 28, 2023

Joyce Benenson discusses sex differences in competition, human hierarchies, male vs. female psyche, and debunking myths about men and women. She explores female intra-sexual competition strategies and challenges traditional gender roles in evolutionary psychology.

59:31

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Joyce Benenson

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Quick takeaways

Men and women exhibit consistent differences in social interactions and hierarchies based on varying preferences and behaviors.

On average, the male psyche prioritizes competition and cooperation, while the female psyche focuses on maintaining equality and fostering survival.

Gender stereotypes are challenged as both men and women exhibit communal and agentic behaviors in different contexts, debunking misconceptions about gender roles.

Deep dives

Sex Differences in Competition and Cooperation

Women and men exhibit consistent differences in interests and behaviors, such as in forming friendships and hierarchies. Research by Joyce Benenson highlights how girls and boys show varying preferences and approaches to social interactions. Females tend to focus on forming close dyadic friendships and engaging in subtle, indirect competition, while males gravitate towards larger peer groups and direct contests for dominance.

Introduction

3min

Exploring Differences Between Men and Women in Human Behavior

19min

Exploring the Dynamics of Respect and Rank Among Female Nurses and Doctors

3min

Gender Disparities in Professions and Societal Challenges

17min

Subtle Strategies in Female Intra-Sexual Competition

11min

Debunking Gender Myths in Evolutionary Psychology

5min

Exploring Women's Agency and Work Approach in Modern Society

2min

Joyce Benenson is an author, a scientist, and a lecturer in the department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. During our conversation, Joyce talks about her field of expertise and research: sex differences in competition and cooperation. She also discusses human hierarchies, common misconceptions about men and boys, how she would, on average, describe the male and female psyche, consistent differences between boys and girls in childhood, and more.

Like many of the recent, brilliant guests on this show, Joyce's focus is human nature: what we know about who we are and what we're like. I can't get enough of this subject, and people like her have spent a career trying to answer fundamental questions about what makes us human.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:54) Joyce's work with children