Different

More about the book

How different are men and women? Is gender uniquely human, or do other primates also learn gendered roles? Drawing on decades of research on primates, especially chimpanzees and bonobos, renowned primatologist Frans de Waal explores biological sex differences and the influence of culture and socialization, arguing that gender extends beyond mere social constructs. He examines the evolution of sex differences, challenges the misconception that females lack dominance in primate groups, and discusses maternal and paternal behaviors, sexual orientation, gender identity, and the limitations of the gender binary. The contrasting behaviors of chimpanzees, who are male-dominated and aggressive, and bonobos, who are female-led and peaceful with multiple sexual partners, provide new insights into human nature. While many aspects of male and female behavior, such as networking, sexual signals, and maternal bonds, mirror those of primates, humans differ in the development of nuclear families, the prevalence of sexual violence, and joint parental care. With expert insight and engaging storytelling, de Waal addresses gender biases in the scientific community and offers a fresh perspective on the behavioral norms and remarkable potentials of the human species.