"The Bio-Social Debate" and "It's All in the Mind" by Cynthia Fuchs Epstein

February 9, 1998

Summary and Posting by Connie Silbernagel and Kim Raimondi

In "The Bio-Social Debate" and "It's All in the Mind," Epstein presents two major categories of theory on how the behavior patterns of men and women have evolved. The first major category focuses on how biology has defined the way that men and women interact. This theory also claims biology as the definer of the different gender roles in society. The second theory focuses on how social structure, as well as social influences and expectations help to form and change individuals throughout their lives. In developing these contradictory theories, Epstein presents a tremendous amount of statistical evidence, as well as some casual theories from scientists, sociologists, anthropologists, etc. The purpose of the discussion is to present these differing theories to the reader and to define and support these theories with evidence she has gathered.

The biological theory is presented by comparing humans to animals (from which we are thought to have evolved), with a parallel comparison of the societies in which we both live. Epstein shows that sociobiologists believe that genes passed on through generations (beginning with primitive animals) are the determining factors of our behaviors and are the foundation for our societies. For example, aggressive behaviors are thought to be genetically ingrained in male behavior, while passivity and nurturing are genetic markers for females. These theories were examined through observations of a variety of animals. Specifically, these genetic markers were thought to parallel behavior found in the society of the hunter and gatherer. The males used their inherent aggressiveness to hunt, whereas the nurturing aspect of the females explained the caretaking of infants and other passive roles. However, as Epstein points out, in species such as the chimpanzee (with whom humans are thought to be the closest related) there is an equality in providing food and tool making for hunting. In addition, females tend to initiate mating (a common "male" biological trait) while men have closer emotional attachments to their siblings (a trait considered to be female in nature).

Other biological models include theories on the size of the brain and its influence on intelligence. Men are thought to have lateral brains, in which each half is capable of working simultaneously; therefore allowing them to successfully complete multiple tasks (contrary to women's "intertwined" brains, capable of only single tasks). In closing, Epstein remarks that while biology may provide an explanation for some social behaviors and constructions, it is a limited resource for a full explanation of the evolution of society.

In "It's All in the Mind," Epstein offers a different theory for the explanation of human behaviors - social structure. In this theory, human traits and personalities are thought to be constructed most directly by a large range of social interactions, experiences and achievements or expectations. Many psychologists believe that traits and characteristics, particularly gendered traits and characteristics, are ingrained from early childhood, while others believe that childhood traits are subject to change based on life expectations and experiences throughout adulthood. One example mentioned the debate of stereotypes and whether these stereotypes incline men to perform better on personality tests than women. While stereotypes for men include assertiveness and self-confidence, women are associated with sweetness, caring and docility. As society and researchers reinforce these stereotypes, men take on these traits and perform even better on personality tests than women. These situations cause a biased evaluation of the results of personality tests taken by women versus men. First, society does not give individuals a free choice when assuming traits and characteristics; men assume certain traits and women others. Second, the test scores the results based on a patriarchal value system, in which the traits that are already characterized as male are seen as desirable and so are worth more. Epstein shows through a series of examples that expectations of children and their "ingrained" traits are, in fact, subject to change. In addition, Epstein states that gender is independent in the life-long behaviors and patterns of individual human personality traits.

Epstein goes to some lengths to discuss, define and to some extent prove the two distinct theories she discusses. It is important to note, however, that she also discusses several instances in which the theories do not hold true. The patterns and characteristics of the chimpanzee society are evidence that we should not wholly subscribe to the biological theory of gender differences. Epstein also introduces the fact that traits and characteristics can and do change over time, which proves that the social construction theory does not always hold true either. Neither of these theories is mutually exclusive, and they both have examples that support as well as detract from their proof.