PSYC3272 - Reflective Essay on Testosterone Rex: Myths and Society
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This reflective essay critically engages with Cordelia Fine's 'Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society,' focusing on the central idea of challenging preconceived notions about sex differences. The author reflects on Fine's arguments against the pervasive 'Testosterone Rex' narrative, which posits inherent biological differences dictating behavior between men and women. The essay highlights Fine's exploration of evolutionary psychology, endocrinology, neuroscience, and philosophy to demystify cultural assumptions. It discusses the author's personal reflections on the book's arguments, including the idea of an asexual human brain and the implications for understanding sex-related distinctions. The essay also considers future implications, suggesting a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of gender and a rejection of limiting stereotypes. The author used references to support arguments and ideas. The essay concludes with a critical analysis of the work and personal insights gained from reading and reflecting on the book.
Reflective Essay
Reflective Essay –
Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society
October 23, 2018
Reflective Essay –
Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society
October 23, 2018
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Reflective Essay
Abstract
Coredelia Fine’s book about Testosterone Rex; Myths of Sex, Scient and Society is reflected
here in this essay. Here the author is speculated to be sharpening her concepts and using her
words like a knife to open up the carcass or the so-called “Testosterone Rex.” It is nothing
but the large-scale assumptions and preconceived ideas about men and women
characteristics. There is a lot of biased thought process in the world which makes people of
these different sexes act and behaves differently. As per author, there is no difference, and we
are conditioned superficially to behave differently. She goes deep in the subject and takes
pleasure in researching very action and thought process and finds out the real beast which is
behind all such preconceived notions in the human society.
Abstract
Coredelia Fine’s book about Testosterone Rex; Myths of Sex, Scient and Society is reflected
here in this essay. Here the author is speculated to be sharpening her concepts and using her
words like a knife to open up the carcass or the so-called “Testosterone Rex.” It is nothing
but the large-scale assumptions and preconceived ideas about men and women
characteristics. There is a lot of biased thought process in the world which makes people of
these different sexes act and behaves differently. As per author, there is no difference, and we
are conditioned superficially to behave differently. She goes deep in the subject and takes
pleasure in researching very action and thought process and finds out the real beast which is
behind all such preconceived notions in the human society.
Reflective Essay
Introduction
The introduction to the essay showcases the reader the idea of the novel it follows clearly.
The reader is an optimistic one and has goodwill to be having clear and transparency in her
ideation and showcase of ideas using wit and humor along with feminism approach to
developing complex subjects (Ditum, 2018). Readers can well understand by the introduction
to the essay that people can get enlightened and enhance themselves with the help of
knowledge. Testosterone Rex is an essay where introduction showcases a quote “We should
all be feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It showcases the clear-cut approach for the
novel in a small sentence. The introduction gave me a clear idea about the novel (Schudson &
Chadwick, 2017).
Interesting Point
The idea of Testosterone Rex itself made my interest grow for this novel. The author
showcases her target directly when she uses the name. She also showcases the pervasive,
familiar, powerful and plausible story idea related to sex and society. The fact that there
exists inequality among sexes is a naturally observed phenomenon and is not a cultural one.
So, testosterone gives male members of the society a different look and appearance than their
female counterparts (Paul, 2018). It is the natural physical characteristics which are different
in this relation. Here it is not normal and complete superficial to consider that the
characteristics of being a great leader or showcase horniness or violence are a dominant
criterion only for men.
Neuroscientists, Simon Baron-Cohen, has showcased in his creation “The Alien to Fine’s
Ripley” that hormone is a special substance (Rumble, 2018). It is responsible for inducing in
a human being all the qualities which are adaptive, and humans are fortunate to be able to
create large among of such characteristics (Allenandunwin, 2018). The justification is indeed
Introduction
The introduction to the essay showcases the reader the idea of the novel it follows clearly.
The reader is an optimistic one and has goodwill to be having clear and transparency in her
ideation and showcase of ideas using wit and humor along with feminism approach to
developing complex subjects (Ditum, 2018). Readers can well understand by the introduction
to the essay that people can get enlightened and enhance themselves with the help of
knowledge. Testosterone Rex is an essay where introduction showcases a quote “We should
all be feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It showcases the clear-cut approach for the
novel in a small sentence. The introduction gave me a clear idea about the novel (Schudson &
Chadwick, 2017).
Interesting Point
The idea of Testosterone Rex itself made my interest grow for this novel. The author
showcases her target directly when she uses the name. She also showcases the pervasive,
familiar, powerful and plausible story idea related to sex and society. The fact that there
exists inequality among sexes is a naturally observed phenomenon and is not a cultural one.
So, testosterone gives male members of the society a different look and appearance than their
female counterparts (Paul, 2018). It is the natural physical characteristics which are different
in this relation. Here it is not normal and complete superficial to consider that the
characteristics of being a great leader or showcase horniness or violence are a dominant
criterion only for men.
Neuroscientists, Simon Baron-Cohen, has showcased in his creation “The Alien to Fine’s
Ripley” that hormone is a special substance (Rumble, 2018). It is responsible for inducing in
a human being all the qualities which are adaptive, and humans are fortunate to be able to
create large among of such characteristics (Allenandunwin, 2018). The justification is indeed
Reflective Essay
fair as hormones do make an individual a man or a woman. This can also make a
contradictory argument from Testosterone Rex idea. As per the Baron Cohen concept if we
are what our hormones secrete then the initiatives being taken in the world to finish make
dominance is a waste. Testosterone Rex argues it is a fiction. The fiction has powerfully
shaped the society and even shaped up our physical sells. Hence, one cannot be dominated to
shape up their understanding of their self (Thepsychologist, 2018).
As per the author people have the core belief that the aspect of biological sex is a basic one
and is a diverging force with which human development is aided. The author showcases that
there are questions where differences in between he exes are sometimes responsible for
pressure created in the past. There are instances found everywhere that women are born and
brought up in a much more cautious manner with focused parenting and on the other hand
male children are born and brought up in a friendly manner. Moreover, the existence of sex
hormones and brains of male and brains of female concepts further reinforce differences
which are unreachable and create a long-term inequality concept in modern society (Fine,
2018).
Testosterone Rex as per me is where the author has suggested past as well as the role of ex-
played in present times and future (Jipiy, 2018). It is revealing more and more dynamics in
the situation. Using a documented and entertaining exploration the research made by
psychologist Cordelia Fine has developed evolutionary psychology, space, endocrinology,
neuroscience, and philosophy. Stories from daily life are used in her scientific research with
the aim to break and demystify the cultural assumptions. Testosterone for an expert contains
the basis of the hormonal essence of masculinity, and for each sex this is different. As per
author, this is nothing but a myth which the society has.
Reflections and discussions
fair as hormones do make an individual a man or a woman. This can also make a
contradictory argument from Testosterone Rex idea. As per the Baron Cohen concept if we
are what our hormones secrete then the initiatives being taken in the world to finish make
dominance is a waste. Testosterone Rex argues it is a fiction. The fiction has powerfully
shaped the society and even shaped up our physical sells. Hence, one cannot be dominated to
shape up their understanding of their self (Thepsychologist, 2018).
As per the author people have the core belief that the aspect of biological sex is a basic one
and is a diverging force with which human development is aided. The author showcases that
there are questions where differences in between he exes are sometimes responsible for
pressure created in the past. There are instances found everywhere that women are born and
brought up in a much more cautious manner with focused parenting and on the other hand
male children are born and brought up in a friendly manner. Moreover, the existence of sex
hormones and brains of male and brains of female concepts further reinforce differences
which are unreachable and create a long-term inequality concept in modern society (Fine,
2018).
Testosterone Rex as per me is where the author has suggested past as well as the role of ex-
played in present times and future (Jipiy, 2018). It is revealing more and more dynamics in
the situation. Using a documented and entertaining exploration the research made by
psychologist Cordelia Fine has developed evolutionary psychology, space, endocrinology,
neuroscience, and philosophy. Stories from daily life are used in her scientific research with
the aim to break and demystify the cultural assumptions. Testosterone for an expert contains
the basis of the hormonal essence of masculinity, and for each sex this is different. As per
author, this is nothing but a myth which the society has.
Reflections and discussions
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Reflective Essay
The concept stated above in this reflection as per me is a bit exaggerated. The author is
shown in her work to be considered the human brain must be asexual. So, it says humans are
not supposed to study how sex impacts in the brain. Science says that differences in hormone
and genetics give individuals a distinction between the sexes and this can also have an
influence on the development and in the functioning of the brain in every level. By exploring,
analyzing, investigating all the different processes is indeed a very critical aspect and it also
gives a thorough explanation of why sex is much more sensitive and vulnerable than any
other pathologies related with the mind or the human brain.
Neuroscience and neuroscientists are eager to explore the fact that sex differences do occur
and this is because due to the differences in these there are many medical aspects which are
explored. A common example is depression, Autism or Alzheimer’s can occur differently in
men and women owing to the differences in the ratio of sex in them. Hence as per me when
Fine has said “The point is rather that, potentially, even quite marked sex differences in the
brain may have little consequence for the behavior,” this seems a contradictory thought. I do
agree that the author has used words such as “may,” “potentially” or “quite.” Still as per me
after reading it carefully and understanding it, I find the closure strange. Unless I am
someone who believes in dualism and thinks that the differences in behavior like the
reliability of sex-related distinctions in spatial competencies and physical aggression come
from some other human organ than the brain (Brunskell, 2018).
The author has in her boo claimed that no specific and evolutionary distinction occurs in the
behavior of men and female. I am critically analyzing the idea. In my reflection what she has
meant by the “Bateman experiment” showcasing a large variation in the success of
reproduction being more in male than in female is not at all right. It is not wrong, but it is not
a strong and well supported or proven point. In this detailed reflection, I found that the author
has used a great style of writing and tactics. The author has perhaps taken help of some
The concept stated above in this reflection as per me is a bit exaggerated. The author is
shown in her work to be considered the human brain must be asexual. So, it says humans are
not supposed to study how sex impacts in the brain. Science says that differences in hormone
and genetics give individuals a distinction between the sexes and this can also have an
influence on the development and in the functioning of the brain in every level. By exploring,
analyzing, investigating all the different processes is indeed a very critical aspect and it also
gives a thorough explanation of why sex is much more sensitive and vulnerable than any
other pathologies related with the mind or the human brain.
Neuroscience and neuroscientists are eager to explore the fact that sex differences do occur
and this is because due to the differences in these there are many medical aspects which are
explored. A common example is depression, Autism or Alzheimer’s can occur differently in
men and women owing to the differences in the ratio of sex in them. Hence as per me when
Fine has said “The point is rather that, potentially, even quite marked sex differences in the
brain may have little consequence for the behavior,” this seems a contradictory thought. I do
agree that the author has used words such as “may,” “potentially” or “quite.” Still as per me
after reading it carefully and understanding it, I find the closure strange. Unless I am
someone who believes in dualism and thinks that the differences in behavior like the
reliability of sex-related distinctions in spatial competencies and physical aggression come
from some other human organ than the brain (Brunskell, 2018).
The author has in her boo claimed that no specific and evolutionary distinction occurs in the
behavior of men and female. I am critically analyzing the idea. In my reflection what she has
meant by the “Bateman experiment” showcasing a large variation in the success of
reproduction being more in male than in female is not at all right. It is not wrong, but it is not
a strong and well supported or proven point. In this detailed reflection, I found that the author
has used a great style of writing and tactics. The author has perhaps taken help of some
Reflective Essay
scientific papers which are not all very accurate and informative. Especially the papers which
she used as a reference in relation to the inferiority element of the female are not properly
presented with the right hypotheses as per me.
Future Implications
I would engage myself to understand the idea in more depth and keep a check on it is
evolution. Male or female as per the concept is not enough for shaping up he version of the
perspective of society about a man or a woman. There is nothing called a male brain or a
female brain. In the future, the world will witness this in a large scale acceptance. As people
realize an individual to be a male or a female they were treating the individual in some
preconceived notions which are either that of a man or a woman (Critchley, 2018). This is
aided by the use of toys right from children, role models, books to a million other things
which are constrained and limited separately for boys and girls. This as per the author’s idea
of Testosterone Rex is a case for rapes or wage gaps. The entire species divided into men and
women is misunderstood and manifested wrongly which is a cause for so many mishappening
(Brunskell, 2018).
However, in future, the world can indeed remake itself. So, for the thought process of the
entire world has not changed. Hence, it is often wondered whether there is an optimal amount
of rational thought process which is good enough and whether it is mainly responsible for the
interest for the member at a higher level than interest on women (Coyne, 2018). It is time that
people and the entire making becomes less polite. Humanity must be more disruptive and
hence does not consider these to be fine incidents. Rather it is okay to be angered as concepts
like Testosterone Rex is roaring and rumbling to change human notions about sexes. Overall,
this has been an enjoyable reading where I have learned so much and used a lot of reflection
to analyze the work critically.
scientific papers which are not all very accurate and informative. Especially the papers which
she used as a reference in relation to the inferiority element of the female are not properly
presented with the right hypotheses as per me.
Future Implications
I would engage myself to understand the idea in more depth and keep a check on it is
evolution. Male or female as per the concept is not enough for shaping up he version of the
perspective of society about a man or a woman. There is nothing called a male brain or a
female brain. In the future, the world will witness this in a large scale acceptance. As people
realize an individual to be a male or a female they were treating the individual in some
preconceived notions which are either that of a man or a woman (Critchley, 2018). This is
aided by the use of toys right from children, role models, books to a million other things
which are constrained and limited separately for boys and girls. This as per the author’s idea
of Testosterone Rex is a case for rapes or wage gaps. The entire species divided into men and
women is misunderstood and manifested wrongly which is a cause for so many mishappening
(Brunskell, 2018).
However, in future, the world can indeed remake itself. So, for the thought process of the
entire world has not changed. Hence, it is often wondered whether there is an optimal amount
of rational thought process which is good enough and whether it is mainly responsible for the
interest for the member at a higher level than interest on women (Coyne, 2018). It is time that
people and the entire making becomes less polite. Humanity must be more disruptive and
hence does not consider these to be fine incidents. Rather it is okay to be angered as concepts
like Testosterone Rex is roaring and rumbling to change human notions about sexes. Overall,
this has been an enjoyable reading where I have learned so much and used a lot of reflection
to analyze the work critically.
Reflective Essay
References
Allenandunwin. (2018). Testosterone Rex - Cordelia Fine - 9781785781612 - Allen &
Unwin - Australia. Retrieved from https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/general-
books/popular-science/Testosterone-Rex-Cordelia-Fine-9781785781612
Brunskell, H. (2018). Transgender Children and Young People: Born in Your Own
Body (2nd ed., p. 112). UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Critchley, R. (2018). Books: Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the Myths of Our Gendered
Minds by Cordelia Fine. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/books-
testosterone-rex-unmaking-the-myths-of-our-gendered-minds-by-cordelia-fine-lqnt7fd6p
Coyne, J. (2018). “Testosterone Rex”, a biased polemic, wins the Royal Society book
prize. Retrieved from https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/testosterone-rex-
a-biased-polemic-wins-the-royal-society-book-prize/
Ditum, S. (2018). Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine review – the question of men’s
and women’s brains. Retrieved from
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/jan/18/testosterone-rex-review-cordelia-fine
Fine, C. (2018). Human check / KissLibrary: Affordable Ebooks. Retrieved from
https://kisslibrary.com/book/BD14257E587A446BF79B?utm_source=new-1909-
reuse&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=newtraf&search=Testosterone+Rex
%3A+Myths+of+Sex%2C+Science%2C+and+Society&x=998912
Jipiy. (2018). Audiobook Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society Free.
Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/jipiy/audiobook-testosterone-rex-myths-of-sex-
science-and-society-free
References
Allenandunwin. (2018). Testosterone Rex - Cordelia Fine - 9781785781612 - Allen &
Unwin - Australia. Retrieved from https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/general-
books/popular-science/Testosterone-Rex-Cordelia-Fine-9781785781612
Brunskell, H. (2018). Transgender Children and Young People: Born in Your Own
Body (2nd ed., p. 112). UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Critchley, R. (2018). Books: Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the Myths of Our Gendered
Minds by Cordelia Fine. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/books-
testosterone-rex-unmaking-the-myths-of-our-gendered-minds-by-cordelia-fine-lqnt7fd6p
Coyne, J. (2018). “Testosterone Rex”, a biased polemic, wins the Royal Society book
prize. Retrieved from https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/testosterone-rex-
a-biased-polemic-wins-the-royal-society-book-prize/
Ditum, S. (2018). Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine review – the question of men’s
and women’s brains. Retrieved from
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/jan/18/testosterone-rex-review-cordelia-fine
Fine, C. (2018). Human check / KissLibrary: Affordable Ebooks. Retrieved from
https://kisslibrary.com/book/BD14257E587A446BF79B?utm_source=new-1909-
reuse&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=newtraf&search=Testosterone+Rex
%3A+Myths+of+Sex%2C+Science%2C+and+Society&x=998912
Jipiy. (2018). Audiobook Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society Free.
Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/jipiy/audiobook-testosterone-rex-myths-of-sex-
science-and-society-free
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Reflective Essay
Rumble, M. (2018). Unmaking the myths of our gendered minds. Retrieved from
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23331151-200-unmaking-the-myths-of-our-
gendered-minds/
Paul, A. (2018). Not From Venus, Not From Mars: What We Believe About Gender
and Why It’s Often Wrong. Retrieved from
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/books/review/testosterone-rex-myths-of-sex-science-
and-society-cordelia-fine.html
Schudson, Z., & Chadwick, S. (2017). Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and
Society. Journal Of Sex & Marital Therapy, 43(5), 498-500. doi:
10.1080/0092623x.2017.1337991
Thepsychologist. (2018). Is testosterone the key to sex differences in human behaviour?
| The Psychologist. Retrieved from https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-30/october-
2017/testosterone-key-sex-differences-human-behaviour
Waterstones. (2018). Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine | Waterstones. Retrieved from
https://www.waterstones.com/book/testosterone-rex/cordelia-fine/9781785783180
Rumble, M. (2018). Unmaking the myths of our gendered minds. Retrieved from
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23331151-200-unmaking-the-myths-of-our-
gendered-minds/
Paul, A. (2018). Not From Venus, Not From Mars: What We Believe About Gender
and Why It’s Often Wrong. Retrieved from
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/books/review/testosterone-rex-myths-of-sex-science-
and-society-cordelia-fine.html
Schudson, Z., & Chadwick, S. (2017). Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and
Society. Journal Of Sex & Marital Therapy, 43(5), 498-500. doi:
10.1080/0092623x.2017.1337991
Thepsychologist. (2018). Is testosterone the key to sex differences in human behaviour?
| The Psychologist. Retrieved from https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-30/october-
2017/testosterone-key-sex-differences-human-behaviour
Waterstones. (2018). Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine | Waterstones. Retrieved from
https://www.waterstones.com/book/testosterone-rex/cordelia-fine/9781785783180
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