166 I Can Read You Like a Book
As I talk about gender, I want you to keep in mind that our
wonderfully complex brains and learning have affected everything
we discuss here. And from a biological perspective, I also want to
acknowledge that there are women who have more traditionally
male behavior patterns, and vice versa. Simple observation bears
out that fact.
As Jim’s data highlight, young women are less likely to take
physical risks, but I often get a sideways glance from young women
in my class when I tell them why: I think the underlying reason is
that it’s their nature is to protect the egg.
An ovary typically produces and releases one egg per month; a
female is born with every egg she will ever have. Given the premise
that human beings are first and foremost designed for preservation
of species, it is logical to assert that the egg is precious and the
body gives us the instinct to protect it. We want to forget how
important instinct is to us because it reminds us we are shaved
apes. Males, on the other hand, produce sperm on a daily basis so
there is no need to stockpile. One man can fertilize dozens of women
easily. Men, unlike most women, are quite satisfied with taking risks
if it gets them an immediate reward.
The next consideration in terms of behavior is that breeding for
a female mammal is only the beginning of a relationship. She faces
weeks, months, or even years of nurturing after that. Women are
designed for nurturing. In contrast, breeding is a finite task for males:
attract, breed, sleep. We can make elaborate plans to get to that
end, but the end is just that. Without social constraints, males would
not insert themselves in the nurturing the process. With social