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Inferior

How Science Got Women Wrong – and the New Research That’s Rewriting the Story

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From intelligence to emotion, for centuries science has told us that men and women are fundamentally different. But this is not the whole story.

Shedding light on controversial research and investigating the ferocious gender wars in biology, psychology and anthropology, Angela Saini takes readers on an eye-opening journey to uncover how women are being rediscovered. She explores what these revelations mean for us as individuals and as a society, revealing an alternative view of science in which women are included, rather than excluded.

Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics Gender Studies Racism & Discrimination Science Social Sciences Emotions

Critic reviews

‘Angela Saini has written a powerful, compelling and much needed account that challenges deeply rooted preconceptions about sex differences – some blatant misogyny, others buried in thousands of years patriarchy. Inferior shows that both are fundamentally flawed, and beautifully illustrates how science is just beginning to tackle this staggering imbalance’ Adam Rutherford, author of Creation

'An immensely readable and compelling book, providing up to date and evidence-based ammunition for readers who want to rebuff tired myths stereotyping men and women's brains and bodies' Professor Athene Donald

'This is an important book, beautifully written, and with compelling narratives and hard evidence researched through the lenses of anthropology, evolutionary history, psychology, and neuroscience. The evidence for unconscious bias is undisputed – so no matter what you think you think about gender and equality – read this book' Aarathi Prasad, author of Like a Virgin

'A thought-provoking insight into the many different stories behind research into the age-old issue of differences between males and females. Clearly and accessibly written, this book offers an intriguing and provocative alternative view of past certainties about men and women' Professor Gina Rippon, Chair of Cognitive Brain Imaging, Aston Brain Centre

‘Angela Saini’s Inferior proves the opposite of its title. It is a lively, well-written, informed account of women’s proven powers. She shows that science, long used as a weapon against women, is today an ally in their steady advance. Inferior is another nail in the coffin of male supremacy’ Melvin Konner, author of Women After All

‘This is an important book that I hope will be widely read. Any time biases are identified and corrected for, it is science and policymaking rather than feminism or any particular ideology that comes out ahead’ Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, author of The Woman That Never Evolved, Mother Nature,
and Mothers and Other

All stars
Most relevant
Loved hearing about all the ways our society's sexism has found its way into so much of science and hearing about where the roots of some sexist thoughts came from. Also found the way she talked about science easy to follow but not condescendingly simple. Would recommend

So interesting!

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This book offers more than feminism. It critically evaluates well known research and looks at how this may have been biased based on who the author was. It makes topic of molecular genetics, biochemistry, and field research accessible to the non science community and give them Ideas to consider thier own thinking. It's not a boring documentary, it's actually a story, and it's very interesting indeed!

interesting brilliant & educational

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Great book, lots of interesting science. sometimes a bit too much detail but fascinating all the same!

eye opening

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Every schoolchild in the world should read or listen to this book. As should every Daily Telegraph reader!

Essential reading.

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A scientific yet not too technical account of the history, biology and sociology of women (and men). Eye opening, infuriating and inspiring.

Learnt a lot and loved it.

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