Gendered Species

A Natural History of Patriarchy

A book by Tamas David-Barrett

Groundbreaking science that rethinks our species’ relationship with gender norms, through the telling of the rise and fall of the patriarchy.

Bloom by Paolo Troilo

Bloom by Paolo Troilo

How long have humans lived in patriarchy?

Did ancient climate trigger the rise of male dominance?

Why did the patriarchy emerge 11 times?

Why do matriarchies have women’s jobs and men’s jobs?

What connects the plough to harsh rules about sex?

Why was marriage invented by all patriarchies?

How is the patriarchy ending and why?

Why do gender norms vary, and why do they change?

Prof Reneé Hirschon, founder of feminist anthropology, author of the Women and Property, Women as Property

“The most important science book on gender in the 21st century.”

Prof Robin Dunbar, professor of evolutionary psychology, University of Oxford, author of the books Human Story, and Grooming, Gossip, and Language, and The Social Brain

“A fundamental insight into the social organisation of our species.”

Prof Anna Rotkirch, professor of evolutionary demography and director of Helsinki Population Studies Institute

“This magisterial invites us to rethink the behavioural basis of sexual politics. The aim is not to provoke or please, but to offer the reader a calm scientific framing to the history of gender norms.”

Nusrat Durrani, founder and former CEO of MTV World.

“An illuminating and pioneering work of science that will transform our understanding of the human species.”

Craig Forman, founder and partner NextNews Ventures and past CEO and President of McClatchy Co.

“An outstandingly fresh look at an important subject.”

Melissa Unger, artist, author, founder & creative director of Seymour Projects.

“I knew this book would be good because Tamás Dávid-Barrett wrote it. His lectures are legendary. But having read it, I think it is actually imperative reading for all.”

Dijana Galijasevic (CEO and co-founder, Impact Hero)

“In an age where understanding human nature calls for refreshing narratives, Tamás Dávid-Barrett offers a much-needed new theory on gender norms, their evolution, and our own gendered species.”