My question relates to sex differences in terms of leadership, and the placement of women in higher echelons of power. You've written articles close to this topic (the Norwegian ship incident comes to mind but that's more military focused), but I wanted to see if you had any more comprehensive thoughts to share on the matter of sex differences in leadership quality both in terms of politics and broader society. As far as I'm aware on the topic, men and women don't necessarily differ in competence when placed in leadership positions. The literature often makes reference to leadership being thought of as a masculine trait and that having a negative effect on female leadership, and I remember that in one study by Alice Eagly and others in 1995 it was found that there were no sex differences in leadership effectiveness (https://www.proquest.com/docview/614333508?accountid=14771&parentSessionId=SQDrLUab9oJ4WvnX220y7HTXVb6vJqNLmInb8Pc77xw%3D&pq-origsite=primo&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals). Though, I find this a little difficult to square with certain sex differences, such as higher neuroticism in women, higher female agreeableness, higher male openness, a potential male advantage in average intelligence, and an advantage in terms of intelligence variation. I suppose what I'm asking is as follows:
-Are men naturally better suited to leadership positions, and if so to what degree?
-Are women naturally less suited for these positions of power, and if so to what degree?
-How is the overrepresentation of men in leadership positions best explained? Is it just a function of the difference in what men and women want for themselves, sexism or a difference in innate capability for those positions?
-Do women in positions of power and influence actually do a similarly good job as men? Do they do better?
-Can we expect this gender gap to close in any significant way?
If there's anything I missed I would appreciate any clarity you could provide.
I also recognize that this is a loaded topic. If you know of any resources to consult, I would appreciate the shout. Thank you for the good work you do, and for keeping it free!
Emil, thanks for your replies to my question as well as others. I read through your replies, and as might be expected, we agree on some political/philosophical issues but not others. I do not see this as a problem. Your interest, knowledge, and position on the genetic enhancement of positive human traits drew me to your articles. You referenced a video on Biotech Eugenics, which I have not seen. I will watch it later today. I agree with your assessment of the U.S. vs China in the race to advance genetic enhancement; sadly, they are the only two that have the potential to research and promote this hope for the future. And I agree with the possible pitfalls for these two countries.
I, too, am Scandinavian, but to a lesser degree than you.
Northwestern European 99.1%
Scandinavian 32.5% (Norway)
My paternal grandfather immigrated from Norway to the United States in 1880 at the age of 10.
Mr. Kirkegaard,
My question relates to sex differences in terms of leadership, and the placement of women in higher echelons of power. You've written articles close to this topic (the Norwegian ship incident comes to mind but that's more military focused), but I wanted to see if you had any more comprehensive thoughts to share on the matter of sex differences in leadership quality both in terms of politics and broader society. As far as I'm aware on the topic, men and women don't necessarily differ in competence when placed in leadership positions. The literature often makes reference to leadership being thought of as a masculine trait and that having a negative effect on female leadership, and I remember that in one study by Alice Eagly and others in 1995 it was found that there were no sex differences in leadership effectiveness (https://www.proquest.com/docview/614333508?accountid=14771&parentSessionId=SQDrLUab9oJ4WvnX220y7HTXVb6vJqNLmInb8Pc77xw%3D&pq-origsite=primo&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals). Though, I find this a little difficult to square with certain sex differences, such as higher neuroticism in women, higher female agreeableness, higher male openness, a potential male advantage in average intelligence, and an advantage in terms of intelligence variation. I suppose what I'm asking is as follows:
-Are men naturally better suited to leadership positions, and if so to what degree?
-Are women naturally less suited for these positions of power, and if so to what degree?
-How is the overrepresentation of men in leadership positions best explained? Is it just a function of the difference in what men and women want for themselves, sexism or a difference in innate capability for those positions?
-Do women in positions of power and influence actually do a similarly good job as men? Do they do better?
-Can we expect this gender gap to close in any significant way?
If there's anything I missed I would appreciate any clarity you could provide.
I also recognize that this is a loaded topic. If you know of any resources to consult, I would appreciate the shout. Thank you for the good work you do, and for keeping it free!
What is your opinion on the carnivore diet?
I enjoyed your video Biotech Eugenics, but was surprised by your low opinion of Steve Hsu.
Emil, thanks for your replies to my question as well as others. I read through your replies, and as might be expected, we agree on some political/philosophical issues but not others. I do not see this as a problem. Your interest, knowledge, and position on the genetic enhancement of positive human traits drew me to your articles. You referenced a video on Biotech Eugenics, which I have not seen. I will watch it later today. I agree with your assessment of the U.S. vs China in the race to advance genetic enhancement; sadly, they are the only two that have the potential to research and promote this hope for the future. And I agree with the possible pitfalls for these two countries.
I, too, am Scandinavian, but to a lesser degree than you.
Northwestern European 99.1%
Scandinavian 32.5% (Norway)
My paternal grandfather immigrated from Norway to the United States in 1880 at the age of 10.