For centuries, we have assumed that the biological differences between men and women extend further than just genitalia, and into the neurological make-up of our brains. But what if this is just an unscientific falsehood, enforced by societal stereotypes and traditional beliefs?

In this course, psychobiology professor at Tel Aviv University, Daphna Joel, introduces us to cutting edge research that will redefine the way you view the gender of brains. Professor Joel divides the course into two sections – first tackling the science of analysing gendered brains, then investigating the social structures that cause our attachment to the idea of ingrained and neurological genders. Ultimately, Joel attempts to determine whether there is anything in the idea of fixed gender after all.

By the end of the course, you will have learned:

• The biological distinction between male and female genitalia, and the difficulties faced when attempting the same for the brain.
• Which features of the brain are and are not affected by environmental stimuli.
• The probability of a random male and female having the same brain structure.
• Quantitative proof that humans do not belong to a female type and a male type.
• The psychological reasons behind our discomfort with gender fluidity.
• How category divisions affect our perception of the world.
• How our behaviour is affected by context, status and expectations.
• Daphna's vision for the future of the social structure of gender.

As part of the course there are in-video quiz questions to consolidate your learning and discussion boards to have your say.

IAI Academy courses are designed to be challenging but accessible to the interested student. No specialist knowledge is required.

Daphna Joel

Daphna Joel is a neuroscientist and senior member of the faculty of the School of Psychological Sciences and the School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University. Her work focuses on questions related to brain, sex and gender.

• Fausto-Sterling, A., Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality, (New York: Basic Books, 2000).
• Fine, C., Delusions of Gender: The Real Science Behind Sex Differences, (London: Icon Books, 2010).
• Joel, D., and Vikhanski, L., Gender Mosaic: Beyond the Myth of the Male and Female Brain, (London: Little, Brown, 2019).
• Rippon, G., The Gendered Brain: The New Neuroscience That Shatters the Myth of the Female Brain, (London: Vintage, 2020).
• Schiebinger, L., Has Feminism Changed Science?, (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999).
• Spelke, E. S., “Sex Differences in Intrinsic Aptitude for Mathematics and Science? A Critical Review,” American Psychologist, 60(9), 950–958 (2005).
• Unger, R. K., Resisting Gender: Twenty-Five Years of Feminist Psychology, (London: Sage, 1998).