OPINION

Published Monday, February 21, 2005
Op-Ed: Is Biology Destiny? 
By Nicole Delessert Shields

Though President Larry Summers' comments about the potential intellectual differences between men and women occurred weeks ago, the issue is far from over, as the February 16^th New York Times demonstrates. Confronted by angry members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, President Summers is having his leadership ability questioned.

If the only defense in favor of equality of opportunity that we have is the argument that men and women are exactly equal in every way, we are going to lose. Because there are differences between men and women, and these differences may include differences in our intellectual and emotional make-up. So the question is, if someday someone proves that there is a "math gene" that, like baldness or great height, appears more often in men than in women (which they haven’t), what would the consequences be? Would that mean we would no longer grant equal opportunity to women who wish to study math and science? Of course not! Anyone who is good at math should be able to study math. The doors have been opened to grant anyone who is capable the chance to prove themselves.

If we discover some biological differences, is that necessarily a bad thing for equal opportunity? What if we discover that no, there isn't a "math gene", but there is a "learning style gene", and that men and women have, (as groups), different learning styles? It has often been noted that girls do wonderfully in math, up until about middle school where they start to drop off. Coincidentally, middle school is also the same time manipulatives and interactive lessons are abandoned in favor of chalk-and-board lectures. Perhaps this is the problem. What if we learn that it isn't that girls (as a group) can't learn math, it is that they react badly to this lesson format? In that case, true equal opportunity would provide different ways of teaching to accommodate all learners. By denying differences, we might actually be hurting people, not helping them. There have been medical studies for certain drugs that have primarily tested on men, for example, which were later criticized for not taking into account the different ways that men and women react to substances. Assuming men and women are exactly the same is not always helpful.

What saddens me the most about this whole uproar, is that it shows that differences of opinion are not tolerated. We are supposed to be able to speak freely and express our opinions. I am very worried that with the reaction to the Summers remarks, people who have unpopular opinions will not feel comfortable expressing them, and that our "discussion" will consist of a group of people sitting around agreeing with each other.  If we are not allowed to look at problems from every angle, it is unlikely we will ever come to any sort of solution. Perhaps there is no biological difference between men and women. I think it is important to consider that there might be, and to do more studies looking into the matter. If we can disprove the idea that there are biological differences, then we can rule it out. Until then, anything we discuss is pure speculation. While some studies have been done, obviously nothing has been conclusive or this wouldn’t be an issue. If we do not allow people to discuss every facet of an issue, the truth will be very difficult to come by.

The irony of this ado is that the reaction has been knee-jerk and emotional. This whole overreaction does not paint a portrait of women, or anyone else at Harvard, as sane and scientific thinkers. I’d like to see a calmer, more rational discussion of the topic. So many people are taking this very personally, which clouds their ability to step back and consider other possibilities. This defensiveness is unnecessary.

What are my opinions about women in math and science? Personally, I am not too worried. I believe that it is just a matter of time before more women enter these fields. In another generation or so, I would be surprised if this were an issue at all, regardless of whether or not there are biological differences between women and men. Even if there are differences between us as groups, there are plenty of individual women who are good at math and science. We've already proven that. We do not need to be threatened by the idea that biological differences might exist, because if they do, there are enough outliers to show that women can and do excel in the fields of math and science. There is no need to respond to questions posed with such anger and hostility. Equal opportunity is here to stay, and as more advances are made, women will continue to fill the ranks of mathematicians and scientists. Differences or not, many women are capable and strong, and the fields of math and science are fortunate to have them.

Nicole Shields is a masters candidate in the Arts in Education program.  The opinions she has expressed are hers alone, and she does not speak for the University, or student body, or any organizations of which she is a member.