The hottest Gender Studies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

International Gender Disparities in Math

Heterodox STEM • 135 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🚌 Education Gender Studies
  1. Boys generally perform better than girls in high-level math, but the difference is small. At the lower end, girls often do just as well or better.
  2. Socioeconomic status and nationality have a bigger impact on math performance than gender does. Countries with more resources often show better overall math scores.
  3. Equal representation of genders in math isn't necessary or realistic. Focusing on improving math education and training for all students is more important than pushing for gender parity.

Boy, Turn Off That Clairo And Grab Yourself A Beer

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Men today sometimes pretend to like things to impress women, like matcha or trendy accessories. This behavior, often called 'performative maledom,' raises questions about genuine interest versus trying to fit in.
  2. Economic pressures have led to a crisis for many young men, as opportunities diminish and traditional roles change. This has caused feelings of powerlessness and sometimes leads to harmful ideologies.
  3. There's a growing concern about male loneliness and its impact on behavior. When men struggle with relationships, they may turn to unhealthy outlets, indicating a need for better emotional support and understanding.

The Forbidden Fruit of Politically Volatile Dick

Default Wisdom • 506 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  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.

The Missing Myths

Bet On It • 467 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies
  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 Gender Studies
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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
  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.

Bro time matters

Of Boys and Men • 290 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  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.

What is Patriarchy?

The Great Gender Divergence • 196 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. In patriarchal societies, prestigious positions are dominated by men, reinforcing beliefs of male competence and authority.
  2. Material and cultural dimensions of patriarchy are mutually reinforcing.
  3. Patriarchal backlash can occur when gender norms are challenged.

Back with Bette and Joan!

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. The watch party for the miniseries 'Feud: Bette and Joan' is a fun way to connect over classic Hollywood drama. It's happening on March 19 and everyone is welcome to join the discussion.
  2. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford had very different personalities, with Davis being a talented actress and Crawford more of a classic movie star. Their intense rivalry makes for a captivating story to explore.
  3. The series delves deeper into the personal struggles of both actresses and highlights the challenges they faced in an ageist Hollywood. It's a mix of humor, tragedy, and glamour that portrays their complex relationship.

Queer Theory 101: Gender Performativity

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 176 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Judith Butler's concept of gender performativity is widely influential in both academic and popular culture.
  2. Gender identity is not inherent but constructed through societal messages and practices.
  3. Gender performativity involves the repeated enactment of cultural norms that create the illusion of an inherent gender.

He'd Rather be a Killer than a Girl: What Halloween Costumes Can Teach Us About the Patriarchal Thinking Within Us All

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Halloween costumes play a significant role in reinforcing or combating stereotypes about gender roles and expectations.
  2. There is a sexist double standard present in Halloween costuming where it's more acceptable for girls and women to identify with male characters than for boys and men to identify with female characters.
  3. Patriarchal ideology influences costume options available for men and women, perpetuating narrow conceptions of femininity and masculinity. This limitation can lead to the internalization of gender stereotypes and unequal valuing of qualities associated with each gender.

When Will Women Be Human?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Women in science, like the Morris sisters, often faced struggles for recognition and respect. Their hard work was sometimes overlooked because of the views society had about women's roles.
  2. Margaretta and Elizabeth Morris had to use clever strategies to get their scientific contributions noticed, like publishing anonymously and building relationships with influential men in science. They showed that persistence was key.
  3. Despite some advancements, women still had to fight for equality in scientific societies and other areas of life. This shows that the fight for women's rights is ongoing, and society needs to value women as equals.

Places without women

Of Boys and Men • 171 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies
  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.

Why So Serious? Halloween, Popular Culture, and the Specter of Anonymous Authority

Humanities in Revolt • 139 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Halloween allows for a fun and liberating experience, where people of all ages can embody different identities through costumes.
  2. Popular culture, like Halloween costumes, reflects societal influences, such as gender norms and media trends.
  3. Our personal and social identities are shaped by cultural beliefs and practices, sometimes without us realizing, indicating the presence of 'anonymous authority' in society.

The high school gender gap in 6 charts

Of Boys and Men • 177 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🚌 Education Gender Studies
  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.

The Pseudo-Science of Female Submission

Erik Examines • 134 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Gender Studies
  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.

How to become a man of integrity

Sex and the State • 46 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Forgiveness is key. When you mess up, don't beat yourself up. Instead, forgive yourself and focus on your successes.
  2. Pay attention to your actions and feelings. Recognizing when you do well or fail helps you understand yourself better and make better commitments.
  3. Be careful with promises. Make fewer commitments that you can actually keep. This way, you’ll feel more trustworthy and reliable over time.

Insta-Cucked

Many Such Cases • 299 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Some people on Instagram ask others to cuck them without really knowing what it means. They just send a direct message without any introduction.
  2. Cuckolding is about feeling powerless, but messaging a stranger isn't the right way to explore this desire. Understanding one's own feelings is important.
  3. It's frustrating when people think they can easily get others to fulfill their fantasies online. Real connections are more meaningful than quick messages.

Men and Women Have Different Discursive Styles

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Men and women often communicate differently, leading to misunderstandings. Some women might expect a more gentle approach, while some men are more direct and blunt.
  2. When someone focuses on feelings rather than the core message, it can feel disrespectful. It's important to engage with the actual content instead of just correcting someone's tone.
  3. Not all men are aligned with women's issues, and everyone has their own unique perspectives. It's important to recognize that each person's approach to discussion can vary significantly.

Wokeness Poisons Science

Skeptic • 158 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🔬 Science Gender Studies
  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.

The World's Oldest... Profession?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 47 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Not everyone agrees on the role of sex work and pornography in society. Some people think they empower women, while others believe they exploit and harm them.
  2. There are different views on how to handle sex work legally. Some argue for full legalization with regulations, while others believe it should be completely criminalized.
  3. The impact of porn on society is complex. Some studies say it decreases sexual violence, but there are growing concerns about how it influences behavior and attitudes toward women.

The biological reasons boys suck at school

Sex and the State • 49 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🚌 Education Gender Studies
  1. Boys generally struggle more in school than girls due to differences in behavior and brain development. They often have trouble with focus, patience, and following instructions, which are important for success in formal education.
  2. School systems often fail to meet the needs of boys, particularly those who are low-performing. Many boys feel frustrated and unengaged, leading them to drop out or act out in class.
  3. To help boys succeed, schools should provide more practical learning options like apprenticeships, trade schools, and classes that match their skills and interests. Boys thrive when they feel needed and responsible.

The Red-Pill Delusion About Women

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  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.

Feminists can center men a little, as a treat

Sex and the State • 44 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  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.

sunday meanpool: the war of the sexes

bad cattitude • 101 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Men and women are different in many ways. These differences go beyond just physical traits.
  2. Communication styles vary between genders. This affects how men and women understand each other.
  3. Understanding these differences can help improve relationships. Recognizing each other's unique perspectives is important.

I Support Women in the Workplace for the Same Reason I Oppose DEI

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Having more women in the workplace can lead to a more empathetic and cohesive environment. It's important to acknowledge these positive traits rather than seeing them as a problem.
  2. The idea that hiring too many women harms organizations is misguided and overlooks the benefits women bring to teams.
  3. Critics of diversity programs often use flawed logic. It's crucial to engage in discussions about workplace inclusion without dismissing women's contributions.

The Forthcoming Future: MIT Students and Desired Number of Children

Heterodox STEM • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🚌 Education Gender Studies
  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.

Biology is not Bigotry

Critical Mass • 77 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🔬 Science Gender Studies
  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.

4 things for understanding the state of gender

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Watching gender-related content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube can help people understand current issues around gender. There are many creators doing important work, but there are also many who just want attention.
  2. Successful content creators often produce a lot of material, even if not all of it is high-quality. The more content you create, the higher the chance that something will go viral.
  3. Discussions about boys, men, and gender often highlight challenges they face and the reasons behind their behaviors. It's important to consider how societal factors impact their situations.

Did feminism make men super vain?

Sex and the State • 24 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Men are showing more interest in their appearance, with searches for fitness and beauty routines increasing, especially among younger generations. This trend shows changing attitudes about masculinity and self-care.
  2. Women's greater economic independence may influence men's beauty standards, leading them to care more about how they look. In societies where women have more status, men are becoming more focused on physical attractiveness.
  3. Social media and technology are changing how men present themselves, possibly having a bigger impact on male vanity than shifts in women's preferences. Men now see and feel pressure to look good online more than ever.

The Present is Female

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. In many ways, men have fallen from their prominent position, with concerns rising about the social and economic well-being of boys and men.
  2. There are significant disparities between men and women in education and the labor market, with girls outperforming boys in school and fewer men participating in the workforce today than in 1979.
  3. Biological and psychological differences between genders, such as differences in brain development and social behaviors, play a role in observed disparities between males and females.

Sex, Violence, and Cognitive Prisons

Journal of Free Black Thought • 21 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies
  1. Science should focus on facts without being influenced by personal beliefs or ideologies. Keeping scientific information objective helps everyone understand issues better and make informed decisions.
  2. Gender and biological sex are different, and confusing them can lead to misunderstandings in research. It's important to clarify these terms for clearer communication and accurate results.
  3. Addressing concerns around safety and fear should consider human nature and perceptions. Understanding the reasons behind fear can lead to more effective solutions rather than relying on ideological perspectives.

Women Are Crazy, Science Finally Admits

Torture Chamber Small Talk • 159 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. The article discusses the misinterpretation of women's behavior as 'crazy' and highlights the need to distinguish between actual psychopathy and common stereotypes.
  2. Female psychopathy is often subtler and harder to diagnose than male psychopathy, which is a result of existing biases in how psychopathy is recognized and studied.
  3. There's a call for more awareness and understanding of female psychopathy, breaking stereotypes, and approaching the topic with a sense of unity and cooperation rather than division.

Curator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 12 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Open marriages can be complicated and messy. There's a lot of debate about whether they really work for couples over time.
  2. People often cope with jealousy in different ways when it comes to open relationships. It's a strong emotion that many don't expect to deal with.
  3. Incels are a misunderstood group dealing with deep emotional pain. Society often reacts harshly to their feelings without understanding their struggles.

Why I’m back on OnlyFans

Sex and the State • 58 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. The main reason for returning to OnlyFans is to earn more money. Earning from Substack alone isn't enough to live on, so diversifying income is essential.
  2. Posting adult content also helps reduce the stigma around sex work. It's a way to show that feminist women can choose to do this work confidently.
  3. Storytelling and representation are important. There’s a belief that making adult content can contribute to changing perceptions about gender and sexuality in society.

Research on Dating and Gender Equality

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  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.

New Year's Resolution: Bring Back The Aunties

Reactionary Feminist • 47 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. Older married women can play a key role in helping younger friends form relationships. They have the experience and interest to gently guide and support their social circles.
  2. The current dating scene feels challenging for many, with issues like online dating creating confusion and loneliness. This highlights the need for support in finding lasting relationships.
  3. Taking on the 'auntie' role by connecting younger singles can be beneficial for everyone involved. It’s a way to strengthen community ties and help combat loneliness among the next generation.

Happy Valentine's Day. Have some stats on sex

Sex and the State • 29 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies
  1. The ongoing debate in feminism is about whether sex is morally neutral, impacting how people view sex work and gender issues. It's crucial to consider different perspectives in these discussions.
  2. The author's focus has shifted over time, now exploring masculinity and gender while still connecting this to broader societal issues like class and policy analysis.
  3. Despite feeling frustrated about repetitive arguments over the years, the author sees value in persistence and humor while discussing important topics in society.

Machine Yearning

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 13 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Gender Studies
  1. AI is changing jobs and skills needed in the workforce. Some jobs may disappear, while new roles can emerge that require different skills.
  2. The impact of AI on gender roles in the workplace is complicated. While women can benefit from AI in some sectors, they may also face challenges like algorithmic bias and lower usage rates of AI tools.
  3. Economic changes due to AI may lead to increased inequality, affecting both labor and capital distribution. This can ultimately reshape power dynamics in society and impact democracy.