Ordained by Nature Biology Constructs the Sexes.pptx

Ordained by nature biology constructs

1. Ordained by Nature: Biology Constructs the Sexes February 2025 P resented by Rudmer Andrew R. Balundo Biological explanations have the ring of "true" science to them because their theories are based on "objective scientific facts” the arguments of natural scientists are extraordinarily persuasive. Also, this perspective seems to accord with our own observations: women and men seem so different to us most of the time-so different, in fact, that we often appear to be from different planets.

2. Early theologians and scientists believed that men and women were created for different purposes. Example: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, women were denied the right to vote in many countries, with arguments that their biological and emotional nature made them unfit for political decision-making. THEN: Traditional Beliefs on Gender Differences RELIGIOUS AND SCIENTIFIC JUSTIFICATIONS FOR GENDER ROLES

3. It w as believed that women’s biological functions (menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth) made them too fragile for intellectual pursuits. Example: In the 1800s, some medical professionals argued that if women pursued higher education, their brains would grow, but their wombs would shrink, making them infertile. THEN: Traditional Beliefs on Gender Differences EDUCATION AND WORK WERE SEEN AS DANGEROUS FOR WOMEN

4. Early scientists claimed that women were naturally suited for caregiving, while men were meant to be leaders, hunters, and warriors. Example: Traditional societies structured labor around gender—men hunted and fought in wars, while women stayed home to care for children. THEN: Traditional Beliefs on Gender Differences BIOLOGICAL JUSTIFICATIONS FOR GENDER ROLES IN SOCIETY

5. Unlike past beliefs that biology was fixed, we now understand that both men and women can adapt to new social roles. Example: Women’s participation in the workforce has increased, proving that intellectual and leadership skills are not biologically exclusive to men. NOW: Modern Understanding of Biology and Gender EVOLUTION SHOWS THAT SPECIES ADAPT OVER TIME

6. Science no longer supports the idea that women’s mental or physical abilities are weakened by education or work. Example: Many women excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, disproving claims that their brains are "wired" for nurturing roles only. NOW: Modern Understanding of Biology and Gender CHALLENGING OLD MYTHS ABOUT FEMALE BIOLOGY

7. Psychological and social factors play a bigger role in shaping behavior than just biology. Example: Men were once believed to be naturally better leaders, but studies show that leadership ability is shaped more by experience and opportunity rather than inherent biology. NOW: Modern Understanding of Biology and Gender NEW PERSPECTIVES ON GENDER DIFFERENCES

8. APPLICATION TO SOCIETY Sociobiology and Gender Behavior Edward Wilson and sociobiologists argue that behaviors like male promiscuity and female selectiveness in mating are evolutionary strategies. Example: A common sociobiological argument is that men, because they produce millions of sperm, are naturally inclined to seek multiple partners, while women, who produce one egg per cycle, are more selective. Counterpoint: Modern studies show that culture plays a big role in shaping mating behavior. In some societies, women also have multiple partners, showing that social factors, not just biology, influence behavior. Economic Success and Attraction It is often claimed that women prefer wealthy men for stability, while men prioritize youth and beauty as signs of fertility. Example: In traditional societies, men were expected to be providers, leading to the idea that women seek financially successful partners. However, in modern times, many women are financially independent and prioritize emotional connection over financial status.

9. Sociobiologists Argue That Gender Behaviors Are Rooted in Reproductive Success Early theories suggested that men evolved to be aggressive and dominant because they needed to hunt and protect their families. Women, on the other hand, were believed to be naturally nurturing because they needed to care for children. Example: The idea that men are "natural leaders" is often attributed to their supposed evolutionary role as hunters and warriors, but history shows many female leaders (e.g., Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth I, Angela Merkel). B. The Evolutionary Imperative: From Social Darwinism to Sociobiology and Evolutionary Psychology 1. THE EVOLUTIONARY EXPLANATION FOR GENDER ROLES

10. Same-Sex Behavior Among Animals Many species engage in same-sex behavior, challenging the idea that heterosexuality is the only "natural" form of sexuality. Example: Bonobos (a type of primate) frequently engage in both heterosexual and homosexual interactions as a form of social bonding. Example: Male giraffes often form long-term same-sex relationships, with courtship rituals similar to those seen in male-female pairs. B. The Evolutionary Imperative: From Social Darwinism to Sociobiology and Evolutionary Psychology 2. SEXUALITY IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM CHALLENGES TRADITIONAL VIEWS

11. Men as Aggressive and Women as Passive? Evolutionary psychology argues that men evolved to be more aggressive and competitive because these traits helped them survive as hunters and warriors. Women, on the other hand, were seen as passive and emotional, since they needed to nurture children. Example: In modern workplaces, women are often labeled as "too emotional" when they express opinions, while men showing the same emotions are seen as passionate leaders. B. The Evolutionary Imperative: From Social Darwinism to Sociobiology and Evolutionary Psychology 3. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY AND GENDER BEHAVIOR

12. New Research Challenges the Idea That Reproduction Is the Main Goal Studies by David Buss and others show that men and women value love and kindness over traditional gender-based traits. Example: In a global survey, both men and women ranked kindness and emotional connection as the most important traits in a long-term partner. Counterpoint to Evolutionary Theory: If men were purely programmed for reproductive success, then traits like loyalty, kindness, and emotional connection wouldn’t matter as much in mate selection—but they clearly do. B. The Evolutionary Imperative: From Social Darwinism to Sociobiology and Evolutionary Psychology 4. THE ROLE OF LOVE AND KINDNESS IN EVOLUTION

13. Old ideas about biology and gender roles were based on limited knowledge and cultural biases. Many past beliefs (e.g., women’s brains shrinking from education) have been debunked. Modern biology acknowledges that gender differences are influenced by both nature and nurture. While there are some biological differences, social factors play a huge role in shaping gender behavior. The idea that men are "naturally" dominant and women are "naturally" passive is outdated. Leadership, intelligence, and emotional strength are not determined by gender but by individual traits and opportunities. Sexuality and gender behavior are more complex than early evolutionary theories suggested. Same-sex behavior in animals and the importance of love and kindness show that humans are more than just reproductive machines. Key Takeaways