Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Harvard biological anthropologist Carole Hooven traces the evolutionary history of testosterone up to the most cutting edge research to illuminate the real biology of masculinity and why understanding the science can lead us toward progress
Testosterone may be the most famous player in the world of human biology. We tote it out as an explanation for toxic masculinity and sexual assault, a reason to keep some women from competing in professional sports, a mystical source of vitality and sexual attraction, and even a determining factor in what kinds of toys children choose to play with. But can one hormone--an unexceptional molecule made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon--really explain such a range of behavioral traits?
In T, Hooven draws on her two decades studying testosterone in humans and other mammals to show that T is much more influential than most people realize, and why it's vital that we understand the science of how it functions in our bodies. T--and the way we talk about it--affects our relationships, social groups, professional goals, identities, parenting roles, physical safety, justice system, and so much more. Yet much of the current discussion attempts to minimize the reality of T's biological function--because if T has such influence, then doesn't that put women's progress toward equality at risk? What does that mean for our society that's consciously moving away from gendered thinking?
Hooven argues that social progress is actually aided by a deep understanding of the science of T, and that we can all be stronger agents of change for knowing our own brains and bodies better.
Synopsis
Harvard human evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven reveals the most cutting-edge research about testosterone to illuminate the real biology of masculinity, and makes the case that understanding the science is critical for social progress
Testosterone hogs the limelight on the stage of male behavior. We tote it out as the source of toxic masculinity, violence, and the underrepresentation of women in Google's best jobs. But can one hormone--an unexceptional molecule made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon--really explain such a range of behavioral traits and cultural patterns?
In T, Hooven draws on her two decades studying and teaching about testosterone in humans and other animals to show the extent of T's power and reach in our lives. T's ultimate purpose is to help animals reproduce. To do that, T affects not only our bodies, but also our brains and behavior. T affects our relationships, sex lives, social groups, professional goals, identities, parenting styles, physical safety, crime, and so much more. Yet a vocal group of feminist scholars minimizes the importance of T in our lives, and scientific facts that used to be obvious are now controversial. These critics claim, for instance, that testosterone is not a "male hormone," and doesn't have much to do with masculinity; it doesn't explain the male advantage in sports, or high rates of male aggression. If T is all-powerful, doesn't that justify the male-dominated status quo, reinforce gender stereotypes, and block the road to a fairer society?
Hooven shows that the fascinating science of testosterone is nothing to fear--and that talking about T doesn't make it all-powerful, it actually diminishes its hold over us. Getting the science right is crucial when so much is at stake. She argues that we can't change human nature, but by understanding how testosterone works, we have the power to change human behavior.
Synopsis
In T, Carole Hooven draws on the latest science and her two decades teaching about hormones at Harvard to show that testosterone is a potent force in all of our lives--and that getting real about the biology of masculinity and sex differences is critical for social progress.
Through accessible, riveting storytelling, Hooven tells the truth about testosterone. This seemingly unexceptional molecule made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon is how evolution equips male animals to compete for mates--and humans are no exception. Testosterone drives many surprising aspects of human development, and is also a major player in our sex lives, athletic abilities, career preferences, parenting styles, gender transitions, violent crime, and so much more.
In talking frankly about the hormone's role in our lives, Hooven allays concerns that acknowledging testosterone's power would validate pernicious gender stereotypes and the male-dominated status quo, ultimately blocking the road to a fairer society. She argues that science of testosterone is nothing to fear. Instead, it helps us to better understand ourselves and each other, illuminating solutions to some of our most challenging problems and bridging gender and cultural divides.
T is a fascinating journey through human evolutionary biology, grounded in our everyday lives and relationships.
Synopsis
Testosterone is the most mythologized and misunderstood hormone, but Harvard evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven offers riveting human stories and cutting-edge research to reveal the far-reaching effects of testosterone on our brains, bodies, and behavior.
The biological source of virility and masculinity has inspired fascination, investigation, and controversy since antiquity. From the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient China to the booming market for "elixirs" of youth in nineteenth-century Europe, humans have been obsessed with identifying and manipulating what we now know as testosterone. And the trends show no signs of slowing down--the modern market for testosterone supplements is booming. Thanks to this history and the methods of modern science, today we have a rich body of research about testosterone's effects in both men and women.
The science is clear: testosterone is a major, invisible player in our relationships, sex lives, athletic abilities, childhood play, gender transitions, parenting roles, violent crime, and so much more. But there is still a lot of pushback to the idea that it does, in fact, cause sex differences and significantly influence behavior.
Hooven argues in T that acknowledging testosterone as a potent force in society doesn't reinforce stifling gender norms or patriarchal values. Testosterone and evolution work together to produce a huge variety of human behavior, and that includes a multitude of ways to be masculine or feminine. Understanding the science sheds light on how we work and relate to one another, how we express anger and love, and how we can fight bias and problematic behavior to build a more fair society.
Synopsis
Testosterone: Misunderstood. Mythologized. Controversial.
A Harvard evolutionary biologist debunks the myths and cultural stereotypes surrounding testosterone and reveals its far-reaching effects on gender and sexuality, sports, relationships, and many more aspects of our everyday lives.
The biological source of virility and masculinity has inspired fascination, investigation, and controversy since antiquity. From the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient China to the booming market for "elixirs" of youth in nineteenth-century Europe, humans have been obsessed with identifying and manipulating what we now know as testosterone. And the trends show no signs of slowing down--the modern market for testosterone supplements is booming. Thanks to this history and the methods of modern science, today we have a rich body of research about testosterone's effects in both men and women.
The science is clear: testosterone is a major, invisible player in our relationships, sex lives, athletic abilities, childhood play, gender transitions, parenting roles, violent crime, and so much more. But there is still a lot of pushback to the idea that it does, in fact, cause sex differences and significantly influence behavior.
Hooven argues in T that acknowledging testosterone as a potent force in society doesn't reinforce stifling gender norms or patriarchal values. Testosterone and evolution work together to produce a huge variety of human behavior, and that includes a multitude of ways to be masculine or feminine. Understanding the science sheds light on how we work and relate to one another, how we express anger and love, and how we can fight bias and problematic behavior to build a more fair society.
Synopsis
Through riveting personal stories and the latest research, Harvard evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven shows how testosterone drives the behavior of the sexes apart and how understanding the science behind this hormone is empowering for all.
Since antiquity--from the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient China to the booming market for "elixirs of youth" in nineteenth-century Europe--humans have understood that typically masculine behavior depends on testicles, the main source of testosterone in males. Which sex has the highest rates of physical violence, hunger for status, and desire for a high number of sex partners? Just follow the testosterone.
Although we humans can study and reflect on our own behavior, we are also animals, the products of millions of years of evolution. Fascinating research on creatures from chimpanzees to spiny lizards shows how high testosterone helps males out-reproduce their competitors. And men are no exception.
While most people agree that sex differences in human behavior exist, they disagree about the reasons. But the science is clear: testosterone is a potent force in human society, driving the bodies and behavior of the sexes apart. But, as Hooven shows in T, it does so in concert with genes and culture to produce a vast variety of male and female behavior. And, crucially, the fact that many sex differences are grounded in biology provides no support for restrictive gender norms or patriarchal values. In understanding testosterone, we better understand ourselves and one another--and how we might build a fairer, safer society.