Beyond Neurosexism: Is It Possible to Defend the Female Brain?

Abstract

Over the past few years, the popular science book market has been flooded with books that purport to explain the characteristics of women and of men (as well as the way that these characteristics influence their relationships) in terms of differences in the female and male brains. This genre of pop neuroscience draws on a large body of research that looks for sex differences in neuroanatomy, endocrinology, and physiology and attempts to link these differences to psychological and behavioral differences. Cordelia Fine describes this genre as ‘neurosexism’; I propose in this chapter to look more closely at whether and how such sexism occurs. I will argue that what is marketed as self-help ultimately reinforces current, gendered, social practices by reinforcing the stereotypical traits associated with women and with men.