Beatrice Alba from La Trobe University discusses the idea of gender stereotypes from the point of view of evolutionary psychology. Her article “Men and Women Evolved Differently but It Doesn’t Justify Gender Inequality” refutes the idea of evolutionary psychology that sex differences justify gender oppression in modern societies. Whereas Alba acknowledges the point that men and women developed differently because they needed to make biological adaptations, she resents the view that this can justify gender inequality. Neither sex differences nor differences in treating men and women in social and cultural contexts can account for the existing gender inequality. Even though it may be natural, Alba suggests, it does not mean that the society should follow the pattern of inequality. Alba compares gender inequality with sugary food and assumes people can treat it in a way they treat something that can harm them. For example, she says that evolutionary advancements have given “us a preference for foods that are high in sugar […]. But this doesn’t mean we can’t exercise self-control” (Alba par. 5).The author acknowledges the controversies arising when discussing this issue from a variety of viewpoints. For instance, Alba clearly points out that the idea that gender differences are culturally and socially conditioned rather than rooted in biological differences between the two sexes is inconsistent. In particular, she cites the findings of genetics research, and clarifies how it is impossible for the social context or culture to be solely responsible for gender inequality.
I agree with Alba that gender inequality is natural in the society because it has its roots in sex differences. Indeed, all men that I know are physically stronger than women are. For example, they can lift heavier things, run on longer distances, and fight more violently. Moreover, as one can see from the animal life examples, in the wild, the fittest survive. If to draw parallels with human society, the men would have more chances of survival than women would. In this way, I fully agree with Alba that gender differences originate from differences in sex. In addition, I agree with Alba that this should not be the foundation or justification of oppressing women, as inferior gender, in the modern world.
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- Alba, Beatrice. “Men and Women Evolved Differently but it Doesn’t Justify Gender Inequality.” ABC, Australian Broadcasting Company, 20 Dec. 2017, www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-20/men-women-evolved-differently-but-doesnt-justify-inequality/9273624. Accessed 20 Dec. 2017.
