Strengths and Weaknesses of Two Theories for Explaining 15 Universal - Sex Differences in Cognition and Behavio

Social role theory and evolutionary neuroandrogenic (ENA) theory are compared regarding how well they can explain 15 cognitive and behavioral sex differences that appear to be present in all human cultures. In essence, social role theory argues that, except for males being larger and more muscular and only females being able to bear children, cognitive and behavioral differences between the sexes result from sociocultural training and expectations. On the other hand, ENA theory attributes sex differences in cognition and behavior to evolved differential exposure of male and female brains to sex hormones, especially testosterone. The existence of 15 nearly certain universal sex differences in cognitive and behavioral traits was documented in a recently published book based on findings from over 40,000 empirical studies. This Element documents that, while both theories have explanatory power, ENA theory surpasses social role theory in explaining the universality of most of the 15 traits.

Product details

• Authors: Lee (University of Malaya) Ellis, Ellis Lee
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.09.2025
• EAN: 9781009581004
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0958100-4
• No. of pages: 84
• Series: Elements in Applied Evolutionary Science
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Psychology > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Psychology, esoterics, spirituality, anthroposophy > Applied psychology; Evolution, PSYCHOLOGY / Applied Psychology, Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography, Social issues & processes, Cognition & cognitive psychology, Neurosciences, Early Man, Behavioural theory (Behaviourism), Social and cultural anthropology, Cognition and cognitive psychology, Sex and sexuality, social aspects, Cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, Behaviourism, Behavioural theory, Psychology: sexual behaviour, Sexual Behaviour, Cognitive Science, Evolutionary anthropology / Human evolution, Evolution / Evolutionary biology