DEBUNKING MYTHS ON GENDER IN GENDERED BRAIN BY GINA
RIPPON
B. Jananee
II - M.A. English
Pavai Arts and Science College for
Women
Abstract:
Gendered
Brain: the new neuroscience that shatters the myth of the female brain by Gina Rippon was published in the year 2019.The
Gendered Brain by Gina Rippon is a thought-provoking exploration of the
neuroscience behind gender differences and the implications of these findings
for our understanding of gender identity and societal roles. Rippon, a
neuroscientist, challenges the long-standing belief that there are significant,
inherent differences between male and female brains. She argues that many of
the perceived differences are overstated and often rooted in cultural biases
rather than biological facts. She emphasizes that many studies claiming to show
these differences often lack rigor or are misinterpreted. The book highlights
the significant role that environment, culture, and socialization play in
shaping behaviours and abilities. Rippon argues that experiences and societal
expectations can influence brain development and functioning, leading to
observed differences in behaviour rather than innate biological factors.
Keywords: Innate, Neuroscience, Overstated, Rigor,
Socialization.
Neuroscience
is a scientific examination of the nervous system with its function and
disorders. It is an interdisciplinary science, physiology, anatomy, molecular
biology, developmental biology, cytology, psychology, physics, computer
science, chemistry, medicine, statistics, mathematical modelling. It's about
combining and understanding basic and emerging traits. Gina Rippon is a British
neurobiologist and feminist. She is Professor Emeritus of Cognitive
Neuroimaging at Aston Brain Center at Aston University in Birmingham. Rippon
was also a member of the International Psychophysiology Editorial Board. Rippon
discusses the brain's plasticity—the ability to change and adapt throughout
life. This adaptability suggests that experiences and learning can significantly
impact cognitive abilities, further undermining the notion of fixed gender
differences. The author examines how scientific research on gender has often
been influenced by societal norms and biases.
Rippon
critiques how these biases can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce gender
inequality. She also addresses issues related to gender identity, arguing for a
more nuanced understanding that goes beyond binary classifications. She
emphasizes that gender identity is complex and cannot be fully explained by
biology alone. The book calls for a re-evaluation of how we approach gender in
both scientific research and societal discourse. Rippon advocates for a more
inclusive understanding of gender that acknowledges diversity and complexity.
The
Gendered Brain by
Gina Rippon is primarily a non-fiction work that focuses on scientific research
and discussions surrounding gender differences in the brain. As such, it does
not have traditional characters like a novel would. Instead, the book features
various researchers, scientists, and historical figures whose work has
contributed to the understanding of gender and neuroscience. The works of
current scientists and researchers in the field of neuroscience who study about
brain plasticity, cognition, and gender illustrating how their findings, refute
traditional notions of gendered brains.
Rippon
argues against the notion that there are significant, inherent differences
between male and female brains that dictate behaviour, abilities, and
preferences. She emphasizes that manyperceived differences are rooted in
societal stereotypes rather than biological facts. A central point in Rippon's
work is the concept of brain plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to
change and adapt in response to experiences and environments. This plasticity
suggests that gendered behaviours can be shaped by socialization rather than
being hardwired. Rippon examines how stereotypes about gender can influence
perceptions of intelligence, capability, and behaviour. She highlights studies
showing that when individuals are made aware of gender stereotypes, their
performance can be negatively affected in which a phenomenon known as
"stereotype threat."
Stereotype
threat refers to the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's social
group. When individuals are aware of a stereotype that suggests their group is
less capable or competent in a certain domain i.e., women in math or science;
the anxiety and pressure associated with that awareness can adversely affect
their performance. She explores the complexities of gender identity,
emphasizing that it is not strictly binary and that the brain does not conform
neatly to these categories. She explored that neuroscience can help us
understand a spectrum of gender identities.
She
highlights research showing that when women are reminded of stereotypes
suggesting they are less capable in mathematics or science; their performance
can suffer. This occurs not because of any inherent lack of ability, but due to
the stress and distraction caused by the stereotype. Gina Rippon critiques
various research methodologies that have historically reinforced gender biases
in the study of cognitive abilities and brain function.
The
Binary Gender Framework is about much of the past research has operated within
a binary framework of male and female, often ignoring the spectrum of gender
identities. This oversimplification can lead to conclusions that reinforce
stereotypes about inherent differences between genders. And the Small Sample
Sizes refers many studies have relied onsmall, non-representative samples,
which can skew results and lead to overgeneralizations about gender
differences. This lack of diversity in participants can result in findings that
do not accurately reflect broader populations.
The
Focus on Deficits on research often emphasized deficits or differences in
performance between genders rather than examining the context or conditions
under which these differences occurred. This focus can perpetuate the idea that
one gender is inherently inferior to another in specific cognitive domains.
With the Neglect of Environmental Factors many studies failed to account for
environmental influences, such as socialization, educational opportunities, and
cultural expectations, which can significantly impact cognitive performance. By
overlooking these factors, researchers may inadvertently support the notion of
biological determinism.
The
Stereotypical Task Selection meant the tasks chosen for studies often reflect
stereotypes about gender abilities (e.g., spatial tasks for males and verbal
tasks for females). This selection bias can lead to results that reinforce
existing stereotypes instead of providing a comprehensive understanding of
cognitive abilities across genders.
In
Misinterpretation of Brain Imaging Studies, she discusses how brain imaging
studies have sometimes been misinterpreted to suggest inherent differences
between male and female brains. These interpretations often ignore the
complexity of brain function and the influence of experience and environment.
Finally in Confirmation Bias – the researchers may have unconsciously sought
out data that confirmed existing beliefs about gender differences while
disregarding evidence that contradicted those beliefs. This bias can lead to a
distorted understanding of gender and cognition.
Rippon
emphasizes the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout a person's life.
Neuroplasticity highlights that experiences, learning, and environment play
crucial roles inshaping brain structure and function, rather
than fixed biological differences. She points out that cultural and societal
expectations significantly influence how individuals develop their cognitive
abilities. These influences can lead to differences in interests and skills
that are often misattributed to inherent gender differences.
She
critiques the methodologies used in many neuroscience studies that claim to
show significant gender differences. She discusses issues such as small sample
sizes, lack of consideration for confounding variables, and the tendency to
overemphasize differences while downplaying similarities. The impact of
societal stereotypes on research outcomes is another critical factor. She
argues that biases in research design, interpretation, and dissemination can
perpetuate misleading narratives about gender and cognition. While
acknowledging that hormones can affect behaviour and cognitionshe cautions
against oversimplifying the relationship between hormones and gender
differences. She stresses that hormonal effects are complex and should not be
viewed as deterministic.
Rippon
advocates for an understanding of how various identities such as race, class,
and culture that intersect with gender to influence cognitive development and
abilities. This perspective challenges the binary view of gender differences.
She highlights how educational opportunities, socialization practices, and
access to resources can shape cognitive skills and interests, often leading to observable
differences that are not rooted in biology.
In
"The Gendered Brain," Gina Rippon calls for a re-examination of how
we think about gender and the brain. By presenting evidence from neuroscience,
psychology, and sociology, she advocates for a more informed understanding that
recognizes the role of environment and culture in shaping human behaviour. The
book serves not only as a scientific exploration but also as a social
commentary on the implications of gendered thinking in society, education, and
policy-making. It encourages readers to question assumptions and embrace a
moreinclusive view of gender diversity.
Work Cited
Rippon, Gina. The Gendered
Brain: The new neuroscience
that shatters the myth of the female brain. Random House, 2019.