Inferior

The language is cisnormative throughout the book, which I expected, because it's only just becoming common for scientists to explicu clarify whether research includes any trans people. But it went to a degree I found very unusual. There were many parts where mentioning trans people would have made a lot of sense in potential for research distinguishing hormonal from genetic sex differences, but at no point does Saini do this. It seems deliberate?

By contrast, Bitch: On the Female of the Species has an introductory note that addresses trans people and explains that the language of the book will be cisnormative at times because the research being described is itself cisnormative. Maybe Saini chose not to mention trans people because of not wanting to accidentally say the wrong thing about us? I'll have to see if her newer book about patriarchy makes some mention of trans people, because transness, especially trans women, absolutely threaten patriarchy by existing.

Cisnormativity aside, I found it very heartening to read about research that's disproving the grounds used to bolster sexism. It was shocking but not entirely surprising to read the lengths to which scientists alive today will go in order to dismiss research critical of their “women are naturally less X” i without argument. The “it's only popular now because (minority groups) like it” argument those pro-essentialist scientists use is so transparent; I wish that feminists had that kind of influence to transform evolutionary psychology and biology such that it became the norm for researchers not to assume their data means subjugation of women is ~natural~. The one scientist who abruptly said he couldn't continue the conversation “for personal reasons” after initially telling Saini he hadn't read the paper his whole field was discussing was especially transparent.

It was especially shocking to read about how even men who publish research critical of sexist dogmas receive violent threats from MRAs. And it's profoundly unsettling that this kind of violence has gotten worse since Inferior's publication, thanks to Trump's having emboldened MRAs and other extremist groups that have regressive ideas about women's place in society.

I highly recommend this book with the caveats that the language is cisnormative, and that at times, Saini uses words that seem inappropriate to the context—as when she remarks “all our brains are intersex” after discussing research critical of the brain sex hypothesis, and when she uses the word “affair” several times to describe what sounds like a cultural norm in some societies where a woman having an extramarital sexual relationship is not considered to be comitting deception or a major transgression against her spouse (if I'm reading it correctly).

This is the second book in my journey to come to terms with the world that women live in - a world that is starkly different to my own. The first, Invisible Women, made me angry. This one was more subtle. I had to work a little harder to understand what Saini was driving at. Each concept is introduced with both sides of the story. First, the evidence for one particular hypothesis, then the evidence to the contrary. To begin with, this annoyed me. It was harder for me to synthesise what I should use to modify my own beliefs. Now, after finishing the book, I hold the opposite opinion. The approach taken by Saini is a genius method that reveals the complexity and genuine controversy within the scientific community. The answers aren't clear cut, they are nuanced and detailed. Investing the extra effort to understand this material is a rewarding experience that not only left me angry this time, but upset, sick and thoughtful in close to equal measures.

We know how easily scientific studies can be skewed by biased researchers. Consequently centuries of gender studies conducted by male scientists got a few things wrong. Analogously to Cordelia Fine's [b:Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference 8031168 Delusions of Gender How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference Cordelia Fine https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348833681s/8031168.jpg 12635310] Saini's book sets out to rigorously and thoroughly debunk some of those myths. With a heavier focus on biology and anthropology than Fine, Inferior looks at influential and controversial studies, that ultimately ask if patriotism is hard-wired into our biology.

An exceptional and well overdue book. A must read for anyone concerned with how the world works and the influence of science on how we view society works.

I love nonfiction that reads like fiction. I'm not a fan of textbooks however. I was hoping for the NTRLF, but this book felt more like a textbook.

The information was solid. I simply like books that are a bit more energetic.