Inferior: The True Power of Women and the Science that Shows It

by Angela Saini

If you were the geek growing up, you’ll recognise how lonely it can be. If you were the female geek, you’ll know it’s far lonelier.

Hrdy’s hypothesis about the profound importance of cooperative breeding is a difficult one to prove, especially given the myriad pressures that pregnant women experience in the modern world. But it also has the power to release women from the guilt they may feel when they’re unable to cope alone. If we are natural cooperative breeders – a species in which alloparents are part of the fabric of families – it’s unreasonable to expect women to manage without any help. For Hrdy, a feminist, this line of research has obvious political implications. It reinforces why lawmakers shouldn’t outlaw abortion and force women to have babies they feel they cannot raise or do not want. It also highlights how important it is that governments provide better welfare and childcare for mothers, especially those who don’t have support at home.