Grow up! Evolutionary psychology perspectives on the ISDP
Today we continue our series on the "International Sexuality Description Project" (ISDP).
The evolutionary psychology (EP) framework of the ISDP elicited strong reactions from multiple camps. For example, Asendorpf and Penke (2005) express concern over the college-linked sample, pointing out that an extended educational period has homogenizing effects on sociosexual development. However, Asendorpf and Penke do praise Schmitt for research that could help bring EP to the next level. Griet Vandermassen's (2004) "Darwinian feminist perspective" argues that feminism must embrace EP in order to proceed to its next phase. In short, Asendorpf and Penke argue that EP overstates results, and Vandermassen argues that feminists are throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Vandermassen quotes a contemporary critic of Darwin with a passage I found really poignant, although it might just be that I've barely slept:Only a woman can approach the subject from a feminine standpoint; and there are none but beginners among us in this class of investigations. However great the disadvantages under which we are placed, these will never be lessened by waiting. -- Antoinette Brown Blackwell, The Sexes Throughout Nature
Actually, Vandermassen does a good job in general of summing up what I like and what I dislike about EP in under 8,000 words. I highly recommend reading it if you have time.
reminder: I am away from my computer and may not respond to comments starting today at 19:00 UTC (2:00pm EST)
The evolutionary psychology (EP) framework of the ISDP elicited strong reactions from multiple camps. For example, Asendorpf and Penke (2005) express concern over the college-linked sample, pointing out that an extended educational period has homogenizing effects on sociosexual development. However, Asendorpf and Penke do praise Schmitt for research that could help bring EP to the next level. Griet Vandermassen's (2004) "Darwinian feminist perspective" argues that feminism must embrace EP in order to proceed to its next phase. In short, Asendorpf and Penke argue that EP overstates results, and Vandermassen argues that feminists are throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Vandermassen quotes a contemporary critic of Darwin with a passage I found really poignant, although it might just be that I've barely slept:Only a woman can approach the subject from a feminine standpoint; and there are none but beginners among us in this class of investigations. However great the disadvantages under which we are placed, these will never be lessened by waiting. -- Antoinette Brown Blackwell, The Sexes Throughout Nature
Actually, Vandermassen does a good job in general of summing up what I like and what I dislike about EP in under 8,000 words. I highly recommend reading it if you have time.
reminder: I am away from my computer and may not respond to comments starting today at 19:00 UTC (2:00pm EST)