Sex on the Brain: The Biological Differences Between Men and Women

by Deborah Blum

Book Overview

Go beyond the headlines and the hype to get the newest findings in the burgeoning field of gender studies. Drawing on disciplines that include evolutionary science, anthropology, animal behavior, neuroscience, psychology, and endocrinology, Deborah Blum explores matters ranging from the link between immunology and sex to male/female gossip styles. The results are intriguing, startling, and often very amusing. For instance, did you know that. . .

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140263489
• ISBN13: 9780140263480
• Release Date: July 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Well, I enjoyed it!

I found this book very enjoyable with plenty of interesting information on brains, hormones, primates and other species. Though most of it wasn't new to me it is written in a very readable style and is sometimes very amusing too. Some things were new to me - such as the fact that even plants discriminate between mates (pollen) and even broccoli has 50 different kinds of genes for avoiding mating with too similar broccoli. Of course, when these subjects are applied to humans many humans do not like it. And perhaps she does present a more positve perspective on female hormones, female brains and female behavior than has been presented to date, but that's not a bad thing in the arena of evolution and evolutionary biology and psychology. There are references to all the research findings and though things are not gone into in any great depth it is enough for a book of this kind, and subjects can be followed up by those interested in them. Of course there is much ongoing research and much controversy regarding what any of it can really tell us about humans but Blum makes the point a couple of times that development is two-way between biology and environment. Overall I found this an enjoyable overview of a fascinating subject and far superior to other 'Mars/Venus'-type popular books.

science, with humanity

How refreshing to read a thoughtful, well-researched and documented book on gender differences -- and not fall asleep in the process!Deborah Blum's many gifts include her ability to report on complex and controversial subjects and make them understandable to the rest of us. This book explores many fascinating theories with a rare perspective. It is intelligently written with an added dose of humor and humanity. This is a sensible book on behavior and biology that forces the reader to think. I recommend it highly.

Fascinating guide to difference between sexes

At last! A book which evaluates some of the bases for the pronounced differences in behavioral physiology, and biochemistry of females and males. Blum touches on a minefield of emotional subjects and what emerges is a sensitive treatment of the sexes in terms of the underlying biochemical forces that ultimately shape men and women as the human beings that we recognize. Males are targeted by the hormone testosterone which, from early uterine development, drives them relentlessly towards a variety of behaviors some of which are categorized "as boys will be boys".As Blum emphasizes, testosterone levels (of testicular origin) fluctuate daily, and generalizations about its role vs concentration are difficult to support. Furthermore, females also make testosterone (adrenals and ovaries) and of great significance, the female brain converts testosterone to estradiol, the female hormone. Thus, the author reminds us that sex hormones, which we casually identify with one sex or another, are capable of rapid transformations with considerable implications.The book is a remarkable journey along a road that has a plethora of gender intersects. As human beings, curious about who we are and what forces put us there, this book is a fascinating guide.

A must read to understand better gender differences

I found this book both easily readable and filled with valuable information. Ms. Blum's ability to weave stories into the scientific data allows the reader to relate the information presented to real life. I have found I remember parts of this book very clearly and have enjoyed sharing with others what is a very universal topic- male and female gender differences with a bite of science. The studies she references are fascinating...I appreciate the backbone of science as opposed to speculation or opinion, which describes much of the literature on this topic. A book well worth seeking out and reading.

Elegantly written - science writing at its best.

Sex on the Brain is a well written, humorous overview of the latest research into the biological differences between the sexes. Highly recommended!