Carole Hooven

Harvard biological anthropologist Carole Hooven traces the evolutionary history of testosterone up to the most cutting edge research to illuminate the real biology of masculinity and why understanding the science can lead us toward progress Testosterone may be the most famous player in the world of human biology. We tote it out as an explanation for toxic masculinity and sexual assault, a reason to keep some women from competing in professional sports, a mystical source of vitality and sexual attraction, and even a determining factor in what kinds of toys children choose to play with. But can one hormone—an unexceptional molecule made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon—really explain such a range of behavioral traits? In T, Hooven draws on her two decades studying testosterone in humans and other mammals to show that T is much more influential than most people realize, and why it’s vital that we understand the science of how it functions in our bodies. T—and the way we talk about it—affects our relationships, social groups, professional goals, identities, parenting roles, physical safety, justice system, and so much more. Yet much of the current discussion attempts to minimize the reality of T's biological function—because if T has such influence, then doesn’t that put women’s progress toward equality at risk? What does that mean for our society that’s consciously moving away from gendered thinking? Hooven argues that social progress is actually aided by a deep understanding of the science of T, and that we can all be stronger agents of change for knowing our own brains and bodies better.

T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us

*** 'With all the talk about testosterone in sex, sports and politics, we need a good explanation of the science and its implications, and this one is outstanding.' STEVEN PINKER, bestselling author of The Blank Slate 'Who knew that I would rejoice in being deeply immersed in testosterone? Fascinating, vital, unputdownable.' JULIE BINDEL 'The definitive book on testosterone . . . A brave and significant book . . . simply fascinating and filled with extraordinary facts.' EVENING STANDARD Through riveting personal stories and the latest research, Harvard evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven shows how testosterone drives the behaviour of the sexes apart and how understanding the science behind this hormone is empowering for all. The biological source of masculinity has inspired fascination, investigation and controversy since antiquity. From the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient China to the booming market for 'elixirs' of youth in nineteenth-century Europe, humans have been obsessed with identifying and manipulating what we now know as testosterone. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to this history and the methods of modern science, today we have a rich body of research about testosterone's effects in both men and women. The science is clear: testosterone is a major, invisible player in our relationships, sex lives, athletic abilities, childhood play, gender transitions, parenting roles, violent crime, and so much more. But there is still a lot of pushback to the idea that it does, in fact, contribute to sex differences and significantly influence behaviour. Hooven argues that acknowledging testosterone as a potent force in society doesn't reinforce stifling gender norms or patriarchal values. Testosterone and evolution work together to produce a huge variety of human behaviour, and that includes a multitude of ways to be masculine and feminine. Understanding the science sheds light on how we work and relate to one another, how we express anger and love, and how we fight bias and problematic behaviour to build a fairer society.

The Story of the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us

Testosterone

John Mordechai Gottman

Lynn Fainsilber Katz

This book describes research on the emotional communication between parents and children and its effect on the children's emotional development. Inspired by the work, and dedicated to the memory of Dr. Haim Ginott, it presents the results of initial exploratory work with meta-emotion--feelings about feelings. The initial study of meta-emotion generated some theory and made it possible to propose a research agenda. Clearly replication is necessary, and experiments are needed to test the path analytic models which have been developed from the authors' correlational data. The authors hope that other researchers will find these ideas interesting and stimulating, and will inspire investigation in this exciting new area of a family's emotional life.

How Families Communicate Emotionally

Meta-emotion

Through riveting personal stories and the latest research, Harvard evolutionary biologist Carole Hooven shows how testosterone drives the behaviour of the sexes apart and how understanding the science behind this hormone is empowering for all.'With all the talk about testosterone in sex, sports and politics, we need a good explanation of the science and its implications, and this one is outstanding.' STEVEN PINKER, bestselling author of The Blank Slate The biological source of masculinity has inspired fascination, investigation and controversy since antiquity. From the eunuchs in the royal courts of ancient China to the booming market for 'elixirs' of youth in nineteenth-century Europe, humans have been obsessed with identifying and manipulating what we now know as testosterone. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to this history and the methods of modern science, today we have a rich body of research about testosterone's effects in both men and women. The science is clear: testosterone is a major, invisible player in our relationships, sex lives, athletic abilities, childhood play, gender transitions, parenting roles, violent crime, and so much more. But there is still a lot of pushback to the idea that it does, in fact, contribute to sex differences and significantly influence behaviour.Hooven argues that acknowledging testosterone as a potent force in society doesn't reinforce stifling gender norms or patriarchal values. Testosterone and evolution work together to produce a huge variety of human behaviour, and that includes a multitude of ways to be masculine and feminine. Understanding the science sheds light on how we work and relate to one another, how we express anger and love, and how we fight bias and problematic behaviour to build a fairer society.'One of the most compelling books on human behaviour I've ever read. Testosterone is a scientific mystery story told with insight, intelligence and panache.' DANIEL GILBERT, Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of Stumbling on Happiness'Science writing at its best: intriguing, personal, bold, persuasive, and most importantly, transparent. Her gripping account will fascinate, whether you're a teenager in the throes of puberty or are just curious about the nature of sex and gender - one of the most important debates of our time.' RICHARD WRANGHAM, author of The Goodness Paradox'A fascinating, brave, and brilliant book - the best I've read on the topic.' STEVE STEWART-WILLIAMS, author of The Ape that Understood the Universe'A superb and engaging book that delivers the unfiltered truth about testosterone, sex and sex di

Carole Hooven

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