Mary Shenk

Mary Shenk, an Associate Professor at Penn State specializing in biocultural anthropology, delves into fascinating topics such as the sexual division of labor and its evolutionary roots. She challenges traditional views of gender roles, highlighting unique case studies from Bangladesh. The discussion also explores complex kinship systems and their socio-ecological influences on family dynamics. Shenk connects women's education to declining fertility rates and the impact of religion on alloparenting, revealing the intricate interplay between culture, economy, and reproductive behaviors.