The 'Vampires in the Sacristy': Feminist body theory and (socio)biological reductionism into the 21st century

摘要: What happens when feminist body theory and reductionist theories of biological sex difference are brought together? In this work I take as my starting point the increasing ubiquity appeals to biology an explanation for ‘human’ ‘woman’s’ nature on one hand, reactive reflexive distancing within other, begin question middle ground. aim constructively dissent from taking up either these positions in order confront question: what if reductionists prove be, even partially, right? acknowledging that possibility, am interested whether/where there is potential be more relaxed about biologically differentiated attributes. I position myself a women’s studies scholar walk across campus see evidence being produced by ‘the opposition’. To place context, first briefly explore various approaches problem differences, continuing difficulties surrounding binaries binary thinking. Next, main part thesis, review historical contemporary reasoning claims made three areas science aligning at time, which have been reproached promoting return determinist social environment. then brief excursion off demonstrate dangerous aspects scientific enterprises their interpretation into popular culture not carefully monitored. Finally, again own side look some ways feminists already begun overturning outworn contested conventional human conversation with theory. Having done this, was it worth walk? My assessment while, cases, feminism’s defensive antiessentialism warranted, undertaken sciences less rigid reactionary than critical would suggest. conclude certain futility theory’s oppositional stance biology, its utility put risk continued investment binary. Further, leads me believe that, while perhaps imminent, every reason expect pursuit unequivocal genetic basis specific behaviours will succeed. That so, spaces where insights both sides might productively together so avoid worst excesses determinism and, same loosen grip thinking body.