The hottest Gender Studies Substack posts right now

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Jane Austen’s Rake Problem

The Common Reader • 2161 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📚 Literature Literary Analysis Cultural criticism Historical context Gender Studies
  1. In Jane Austen's stories, the heroines often face a choice between desirable but unreliable men (like Wickham and Willoughby) and more dependable, less exciting partners. This struggle highlights the challenge of finding true love versus a practical marriage.
  2. Austen shows that even charming rakes can end up in less desirable situations, yet they often escape severe consequences. This raises questions about her perspective on these characters and their appeal.
  3. The idea of a 'dual mating strategy' suggests that women may be attracted to both exciting lovers and reliable partners. In Austen's world, this dynamic leads to compromises in marriage, reflecting a more pragmatic view of relationships.

Academia is Women’s Work

Postcards From Barsoom • 15604 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Gender Studies Social Psychology Workforce Trends
  1. More women are enrolling in college than men, and this trend is changing how we view various professions. When too many women join a field, men tend to leave, as they see it as less competitive and valuable.
  2. Academia is becoming feminized, which could lead to a decline in its status and quality. As more women join, some believe that the competitive drive that often leads to higher performance in academia may be fading.
  3. Lower male participation in colleges can hurt the university's reputation and funding. If schools are seen as feminine spaces, they might struggle to attract male students and the resources that come with them.

The Fascinating (and Surprising) History of Women Drivers

Culture Study • 2026 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Consumer Culture Marketing Strategies Social Change
  1. Women drivers have a rich history that challenges common stereotypes about them. Early ads showed women as capable and independent drivers, but this changed over time, leading to gendered marketing that focused on appearance rather than usability.
  2. Market research played a key role in shaping how car companies viewed and communicated with female consumers. Many studies failed to accurately reflect women's interests and preferences, often focusing on superficial traits instead of their real needs.
  3. Over the years, women have shifted from being sidelined in automotive culture to actively sharing automotive knowledge and experiences. This change was influenced by feminist movements that encouraged women to take charge of their own narratives and seek information.

La phobie de l’engagement n’existe pas

L'Atelier Galita • 139 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Social norms Gender Studies Psychology Personal Development
  1. The idea of commitment phobia is often exaggerated; many people just avoid serious relationships with specific partners. It's not that they fear commitment overall, but rather with certain individuals.
  2. Men often know quickly if they want a serious relationship, but may take advantage of women's hesitation to express their desires.
  3. While a few people may genuinely have a fear of commitment, they are much less common than people think.

Feminists can center men a little, as a treat

Sex and the State • 44 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism Relationships Gender Studies Intimacy Community
  1. Decentering men is really about building strong connections with others. It's important to have a supportive community instead of relying solely on one person for emotional needs.
  2. Being in a committed relationship can still align with feminist values. It's okay to center a partner if that relationship is healthy and reciprocal.
  3. Love should be about wanting what’s best for each other, even if it means making tough choices. Trust and mutual respect in relationships lead to deeper intimacy.
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A New Kind of Forensics

Culture Study • 3847 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Gender Studies Forensics Media
  1. Marty Goddard played a key role in creating the rape kit, which helped provide evidence of sexual assault. This changed how incidents were taken seriously in the legal system.
  2. The history of the rape kit shows that many women were not believed when they reported assaults. It highlights a culture that often dismissed survivors.
  3. This story also reveals how women's contributions can be overlooked in innovation. Even when they create important tools, men often get the credit.

People Are Delusional About How Hot They Are

Knowingless • 4321 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Self-image Gender Studies Social Psychology Surveys
  1. Most people don't see themselves as they really are when it comes to looks. They tend to think they are hotter than others see them.
  2. Women and men rate themselves similarly, but men are generally more off about how attractive they really are.
  3. When comparing looks to others, people are a bit more accurate when looking at their same gender rather than the opposite gender.

The Pseudo-Science of Female Submission

Erik Examines • 134 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Feminism Gender Studies Ethics Social theory Evolutionary Psychology
  1. The idea that women are meant to be owned by men is based on old, false beliefs. It's an attempt to make a harmful view seem rational by using misleading arguments.
  2. Freedom and individual rights are usually seen as positive, but some people twist this idea to suggest that women shouldn't have autonomy. This is not based on science or truth, but rather a desire to maintain control.
  3. Claiming that society or the state owns women is a form of manipulation. Laws exist to protect individuals, not to enslave them, and everyone, regardless of gender, benefits from freedom and rights.

Is fiction too female-coded?

Jeff Giesea • 2814 implied HN points • 22 Sep 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Publishing Cultural Trends Gender Studies
  1. Fiction seems to be more associated with women, which might keep men from engaging in reading and writing it. It's important for men to feel welcome in this space too.
  2. Statistics show that many more women read fiction compared to men, creating a gap that might negatively impact how stories are told and understood in society.
  3. The publishing world tends to favor female voices now, which can push male writers away and lead to fewer stories that explore male perspectives, hurting cultural conversations.

The Red-Pill Delusion About Women

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Relationships Feminism Social Commentary Psychology
  1. Women have always been active in choosing their partners, not just passive victims. Relationships involve love and emotional connections, not just power dynamics.
  2. Both men and women experience sexual desire, and female desire is often influenced by emotional connections and cultural factors. It's wrong to see women as simply waiting for men to take charge.
  3. Modern dating challenges are not because women are too free, but because some men struggle with women's independence and equality. Healthy relationships should be based on mutual respect and understanding.

The World is a Morality Play

From the New World • 26 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Anime Philosophy Gender Studies Media Critique
  1. The anime Madoka Magica shows how personal desires can lead to tragic outcomes. If characters aren't careful about what they wish for, they can end up worse off.
  2. Kyubey, the magical cat, uses the emotions and struggles of magical girls as energy to keep the universe alive. This creates a cycle of suffering that drives the story.
  3. Homura is a character who learns to understand her true desires, challenging the idea of sacrificing for others. She ultimately transcends typical morality by getting the power she wants and fighting against the system.

Whatever happens, do not cry in the conference room

Wondering Freely • 853 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Academic writing Emotions Cultural Issues Professionalism Gender Studies
  1. In academia, showing emotions is often discouraged. People learn to hide their feelings and act confident even when they feel insecure.
  2. Criticism can be harsh in academic settings, making it hard to respond without getting upset. Many people try to maintain composure despite feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It's important to find a balance between professionalism and emotional expression. Emotions can be valuable in understanding and engaging with philosophical ideas.

Men's Hotness Scale

Knowingless • 1742 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Beauty Standards Gender Studies Social Trends Body Image
  1. A study was conducted to rate men's attractiveness based on women's opinions. Similar to a previous study on women, the results were surprising and showed that women's tastes can differ from the male perspective.
  2. The survey involved around 260 images of men’s faces, mostly AI-generated, rated by approximately 100 women. The results revealed that women often rated men's attractiveness lower than men rated women's.
  3. The highest rating for a man was 7.8 out of 10, while the highest for women was 8.4 out of 10. This suggests that women might take personality into account more than men do when judging attractiveness.

Desire Digest 004

Many Such Cases • 519 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Social Trends Gender Studies Youth culture Sexuality
  1. Many young women are feeling let down by casual sex, with issues like non-consensual choking becoming more common. There seems to be a gap between what some women want and what men think they want.
  2. There's a noticeable trend of Gen Z pushing back against intimate scenes in films. This could be reflecting their real-life attitudes towards relationships and intimacy.
  3. The author is aiming to create a more interactive newsletter experience, involving live discussions and advice columns, making it a more engaging space for readers.

Places without women

Of Boys and Men • 171 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Social Issues Gender Studies Public Policy
  1. There's a growing trend where many U.S. counties have more men than women. This is particularly noticeable in the younger age group of 20 to 39.
  2. From 2003 to 2023, the number of counties with a majority of men doubled. This shift is significant and mainly seen in rural areas.
  3. Skewed sex ratios can affect various social issues like crime rates and relationship dynamics. It's important to study these trends to understand their impacts better.

A Mate Selection Theory of Feminization

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4145 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Social norms Relationships Feminism Marriage
  1. Women often struggle to find a balance between having a high-quality partner and ensuring loyalty. Some prefer to chase after attractive partners, while others focus on stability with someone they can trust.
  2. As societal views on monogamy change, men may adapt by showing more sensitivity and supportive behavior towards women. This can involve acting against traditional masculine stereotypes to prove their loyalty.
  3. The shift in norms around relationships has created two distinct cultural groups: one that embraces traditional masculinity and conservatism, and another that leans towards feminist and liberal values. This has changed how people view gender roles and relationships today.

Mid Women Got Spanked Less (pt1)

Knowingless • 1931 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Psychology Gender Studies Family Dynamics Social Issues
  1. Women who consider themselves attractive often report growing up in higher class families. This shows a possible link between looks and economic background.
  2. Hotter women appear to have a better self-image and feel more powerful. They are also generally more extroverted and conscientious.
  3. Mid-range attractive women seem to have had loving families but were spanked the least as children, suggesting family dynamics could influence their self-perception.

Bro time matters

Of Boys and Men • 290 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Isolation Wellbeing
  1. Men benefit from spending time with each other, and male friendships are important for their well-being. It's good for men to have their own spaces to hang out and connect.
  2. Women generally have more favorable views about all-female gatherings compared to all-male ones. This shows a difference in how people view the positivity of gender-specific social groups.
  3. While some worry that men can encourage bad behavior when together, the truth is that male friendships can help reduce isolation and support better mental health.

CROSSPOST: ALICE EVANS: Can YOU Uncover the Origins of Patriarchy?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies History Anthropology Art Society
  1. Gender hierarchies still exist today and are shaped by cultural beliefs about women's roles, particularly the idea that women should be kept secluded.
  2. Historical analysis of art and architecture can provide clues about how women's invisibility became a respected norm, especially following military conquests.
  3. It's important to be careful when interpreting ancient artifacts, as they represent only fragments of diverse cultures and may not reflect the whole picture.

Paid content: Can women think?

Wood From Eden • 576 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Society Philosophy Equality Social Issues
  1. The topic discusses women's ability to think critically and independently. It's important to recognize and value women's perspectives and intellect.
  2. Challenging stereotypes about women's thinking can lead to more inclusive conversations. Everyone should have equal opportunities to share their ideas.
  3. Encouraging discussions about gender and intelligence can help break down societal biases. Open dialogue promotes understanding and respect among all individuals.

The Typical Man Disgusts the Typical Woman

Bet On It • 2621 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Social norms Gender Studies Psychology Evolutionary Theory
  1. Men and women often have very different views on attractiveness. Most men rate women highly, but many women rate men much lower.
  2. Rejection isn't just personal; it's often about general trends in attraction. Women may reject many men because they generally find most men less appealing.
  3. Both men and women can improve their dating experiences. Men can work on personal grooming and manners, while women can try to appreciate qualities like charm and humor more.

The Forbidden Fruit of Politically Volatile Dick

Default Wisdom • 506 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Social media Political Discourse Feminism Masculinity
  1. The Gender War on social media shows how right-wing men and left-wing women attract each other based on their perceived strengths and weaknesses. This tension often leads to extreme views and oversimplified narratives about gender roles.
  2. Many discussions about the Manosphere and movements like the 4B are too simplistic. The realities of these movements are often misrepresented in popular media, failing to capture the cultural and contextual nuances behind them.
  3. Relationships between people from opposing sides (like leftists and rightists) often explore themes of power and vulnerability. These dynamics can highlight underlying attractions that aren't just about politics but also psychological complexities.

Research on Dating and Gender Equality

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Relationships Social Dynamics Psychology Education
  1. Romantic love has played a key role in promoting gender equality. As husbands began to love their wives more, they treated them better and valued their opinions.
  2. Many ideas in the dating world are misunderstood, like the concepts of alpha and beta males. Real 'alpha' traits are more about leadership and respect, not just physical strength.
  3. Statistics around dating and gender can often be misleading. For example, while it seems young men are less likely to have sex, the data is skewed by age and context.

Vulnerable Narcissism, Conformity, High Heels

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 984 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Behavior Fashion Gender Studies Media
  1. Men with more success tend to have more children. This shows a pattern in how parenting and status are linked.
  2. Younger people are divided about canceling J.K. Rowling for her views on transgender issues, while older people generally oppose canceling her. This trend may change society's views in the future.
  3. Women are more likely to wear high heels when they expect to meet attractive men. Their choice of footwear seems to be influenced by their interest.

The high school gender gap in 6 charts

Of Boys and Men • 177 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🚌 Education Gender Studies High School College Admissions Standardized Testing
  1. Girls are performing better than boys in high school, especially when it comes to GPA. Most top students with high grades are girls.
  2. While boys do better on the math section of the SAT, they struggle with the verbal section. This shows that their strengths and weaknesses vary across different subjects.
  3. Boys are less likely to take Advanced Placement exams compared to girls. Encouraging more boys to participate in these tests could help improve their academic standing.

Why (Some) Women are Attracted to Violent Men

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1780 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Sociology Relationships Gender Studies Evolutionary Theory
  1. Some women are attracted to violent men because they see them as strong and dominant. This can come from an evolutionary perspective where strength was a key survival trait.
  2. The attraction to harmful partners can also stem from personal experiences or a desire for excitement. Some individuals may find thrill in risky relationships.
  3. Cultural influences play a big role in shaping preferences. Media often glamorizes violent behavior, which can affect what people find appealing.

Are Men and Women Different?

Fake Noûs • 1079 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Psychology Evolutionary Theory Sociology Philosophy
  1. Men and women are different in many ways, especially on average, like strength and interests. It’s important to recognize these differences, but it doesn’t mean every individual fits those patterns.
  2. Some people believe these differences come from culture, but many differences are actually seen across different societies and even species. This suggests they are more than just social norms.
  3. The main reason for these differences comes from how men and women reproduce and invest in offspring. This impacts behavior, risk-taking, and interests, which helps explain why men and women often act the way they do.

The Forthcoming Future: MIT Students and Desired Number of Children

Heterodox STEM • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🚌 Education Surveys Demographics Fertility Research Gender Studies Cultural Trends
  1. MIT students on average want around two children. The desire varies across different demographics and can be influenced by factors like gender and relationship status.
  2. Women at MIT generally desire fewer children, with many expressing concerns about balancing family and career. In contrast, men tend to prefer slightly larger families.
  3. Religious beliefs can affect how many children students want, with religious individuals generally preferring more children than those who identify as non-religious.

Wokeness Poisons Science

Skeptic • 158 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🔬 Science Scientific Method Education Research Ethics Gender Studies Cultural critique
  1. Wokeness is changing how science is done, affecting hiring practices and funding by introducing criteria based on identity rather than merit. This can lead to important scientific work being overlooked if it doesn't align with social justice agendas.
  2. The focus on equality of outcomes instead of opportunities can create flawed policies. It assumes that any inequality in outcomes is solely due to discrimination, ignoring factors like personal choice, abilities, and luck.
  3. Academia is experiencing a shift where free speech and diverse viewpoints are increasingly suppressed. Criticism of woke ideology can lead to severe backlash and censorship, stifling honest discussions in scientific fields.

Biology is not Bigotry

Critical Mass • 77 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🔬 Science Biology Philosophy Gender Studies Human Rights Social justice
  1. Biological sex is generally defined by the type of reproductive cells, making it binary in nature. This means there are typically only two sexes: male and female.
  2. Self-identity does not change biological sex; feelings and gender roles are different from biological facts. Someone can express their gender in various ways, but that does not alter their biological sex.
  3. Discussions around sex and gender should not overshadow the primary mission of organizations focused on free thought and secularism. It's important to separate scientific understanding from ideology.

What Was A Millennial?

Castalia • 539 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Identity politics Social Trends Cultural criticism Gender Studies
  1. Millennials challenged traditional ideas of adulthood, believing that fulfillment doesn't require following old initiation rites like military service or parenthood. They made this idea more mainstream, especially through the concept of metrosexuality.
  2. As millennials focused on self-care and personal fulfillment, they experienced challenges in workplaces that valued traditional hierarchies. This shift also led to lower birth rates, as many sought meaning outside of family structures.
  3. The rise of androgyny and gender fluidity was prominent in both millennials and Gen Z, suggesting a future with fewer gender boundaries. However, older generations often felt this led to a loss of clear roles and responsibilities.

Feminists: tell me what you believe?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1278 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Studies Identity politics Social movements Cultural critique
  1. Feminism means different things to different people. It's important for individuals to share their personal definitions and beliefs about feminism.
  2. Supporting equal rights for women doesn't necessarily mean someone identifies as a feminist. Some believe those rights can be supported without using the term 'feminism.'
  3. There's a chance that arguments over feminism arise from misunderstandings of the term. People might think they disagree when their definitions are just different.

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 923 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies
  1. Naval War College emphasizes Gender Studies as part of a broader political project
  2. Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program is deeply integrated into the curriculum at NWC
  3. The political project initiated in the Obama Administration continues to impact NWC's focus and resource allocation

The Missing Myths

Bet On It • 467 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Progressivism Social Issues Gender Studies Racial Issues
  1. The book focuses on simple, straightforward myths that can be easily debated and debunked. This is helpful for understanding complex issues more clearly.
  2. Some myths about gender and racial pay gaps are stressed as often misunderstood. Actual productivity plays a big role in these discussions.
  3. The author believes there are even more myths about discrimination and intelligence that need addressing. Questions of race and IQ are examples where more facts could clarify misunderstandings.

Men and Women Perform

Thinking about... • 400 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Analysis Dystopia Gender Studies Cultural criticism
  1. The world created in 'The Handmaid's Tale' feels real and relatable, rather than just a far-off dystopia. It reminds us of our own societal issues.
  2. The story's focus on women's oppression is often overshadowed by a narrative that tries to balance perspectives. It's important to see the story through the experiences of women.
  3. Using polite language to describe serious topics like sexual violence can minimize their impact. We need to be clear and honest about these issues to understand their significance.

Women, Men, and the Novel

Life and Letters • 139 implied HN points • 27 May 24
📚 Literature Contemporary Fiction Gender Studies
  1. Women have become more prominent in writing novels today compared to men, especially among younger authors. This shift has changed the landscape of contemporary literature.
  2. In the past, women writers had a significant role in the development of the novel, but their representation declined over time. It's taken until the 1970s for women in literature to start recovering some of that lost ground.
  3. A literary scene dominated by one gender can affect the overall quality and diversity of storytelling. Novels often do better when they explore a range of perspectives, which includes input from both men and women.

Lost in a Sea of Pixels: Men, Pornography, and the Illusion of Control

Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing • 727 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Social Issues Psychology Feminism Human Relationships
  1. Pornography offers a quick escape from intense emotions and intimacy, providing an illusion of control for men.
  2. The feminist critique of pornography highlights its negative impacts on women in production and consumption.
  3. Habitual use of pornography can lead to a loss of control, creating a cycle that may require therapy and open communication to break.