A Mind of Her Own
Price:
$69.50 (05)Description
Current theories of evolution portray men as active individuals forging their way forward through a mix of testosterone fuelled competition, rivalry, and aggression. But what role is left for women within such evolutionary thinking? The role women get is that of the passive, weak, individual left to ride on the coat tails of their male suitors. The default, no testosterone sex interested in just selecting the best male to expand the gene pool . Is it any wonder that feminists are dismissive of such evolutionary approaches? That many have sought to ignore the contribution that evolutionary theory can make to our understanding of women. But have women really just been bit part actors in the whole story of evolution? Have they not played their own role in ensuring their reproductive success?In this highly accessible and thought provoking new book, Anne Campbell challenges this passive role of women in evolutionary theory, and redresses the current bias within evolutionary writing. Guiding us through the basics of evolutionary theory, she proposes that women have forged their own strategic way forward, acting through their own competition, rivalry, indirect aggression, and unfaithfulness,to shape their own destiny. Throwing down a challenge to feminist theories, Campbell argues that evolutionary theory can indeed teach us plenty about the development of the female mind--we just need to get it right. This is an important book that will force others to re-evaluate their own assumptions about the evolution of the female mind.
Reviews
"A well-organized, well-written, up-to-date textbook on evolutionary psychology, which stands out from the pack."--Jerome H. Barkow, Trends in Cognitive Science, June 2002
"Anne Campbell's book, A Mind of Her Own: The Evolutionary Psychology of Women , is an excellent analysis of the differences between aspects of women's and men's lives, as interpreted using evolutionary theory. Although this discussion is interesting in itself, the true value of the book lies in the examination of a much neglected area of evolutionary psychology: Differences in intrasexual competition. . A Mind of Her Own is a highly enjoyable and informative read. Campbell's examination of differences in intrasexual competition, using the evolutionary perspective, provides a unique view on this much neglected topic. While the book will appeal to the general public, scholars will find it a detailed reference and a valuable addition to their library."--Human Nature
"In her readable and thought-provoking account, Campbell argues that there are profound differences between women, and that is both a cause and a consequence of directional selection on female psychology. . .Campbell provides an excellent taxonomy of nine classes of feminism. This book will stimulate an important debate and ensure that evolution cannot be ignored."--Anne Magurran, Times Literary Supplement
About the Author(s)
Anne Campbell is a highly experienced and well known academic psychologist. She has authored and edited several books, though has the academic background and credibility to back up the controverisal thesis she presents in this book
