As a male psychology lecturer whose formative years were the 1960s and 1970s I have always felt uncomfortable when applying evolutionary psychology to issues that were politically sensitive when modern Feminism was reborn. Rape, male on female domestic violence, differences between male and female behaviour, thinking, emotions, etc seemed to be topics where evolutionary theory and research denied crucial Feminist claims. At the same time I was never able to get a firm grasp of what Feminists actually did believe, no matter how much I asked Feminist friends or read their books - as soon as I thought I knew the Feminist position on an issue I would come across another Feminist taking a clearly different position. In particular I did not see why evolutionary psychology was rejected when, to me, it seemed to give females an at least equally important and powerful position as males.
Writers like Hrdy (eg Mother Nature) convinced me that Feminists could use Evolutionary Psychology in a positive way.
Vandermassen has now completed my basic education, in a slim volume she explains the myriad strands that make up Feminism and why it is impossible to meaningfully write about 'The Feminist Position', she explains modern evolutionary psychology clearly and concisely, and finally she brings the two perspectives together to demonstrate how Feminists can engage with Evolutionary Psychology to produce an understanding of humanity that improves on our current models.
I have recommended this book to students in the UK and Finland, as well as to friends. Several of them have written to thank me after reading it. This is a book that is capable of changing your view of humanity and the social sciences, it comes with plenty of references and is well-written. At the end you will have had to think your attitudes and beliefs through, no matter if you agree or disagree with the author you will have had to test your previous position against argument and evidence. Thoroughly recommended.
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