12/06/2025
My new analytical essay is published: “Demystifying the Multi-Faceted Gender Stereotypes of Intelligence Affecting Working Women”. This time, selected for the “Working Women in History” edition of TMYS Review, June 2025. The book is available on Amazon worldwide.
Here is my Abstract:
“Deep-rooted misconceptions about the determinants of intelligence have lasted for centuries as a direct expression of gender stereotyping, with notable negative implications for women in their professional environments. These misconceptions impact how women are perceived, judged, assigned roles in society, ultimately affecting their quality of life. This essay presents a research-based perspective on the myths, facts and fiction surrounding intelligence, elucidating several multi-faceted stereotypes. Research shows a strong contrast between actual measured intelligence and falsely perceived intelligence. When people estimate their own intelligence or that of others, misleading factors such as biological s*x, gender, and appearance lead to false perceptions. These perceptions stem from the biased expectation that wisdom, intelligence and intellectual performance can be accurately predicted by solely observing gender-specific features, facial appearance or physique. Intelligence is generally perceived as a masculine attribute, leading to a strong gender bias in subjective intelligence estimation. Males tend to be rated higher than females, and more masculine-presenting females are rated higher than more feminine ones, despite these perceptions having no correlation with actual intelligence measurements. Nevertheless, validated research has consistently proven that no significant difference exists in general intelligence or overall cognitive ability between men and women. Furthermore, studies refute any relationship between ‘physical attractiveness’, facial morphology, and measured IQ in women. These findings should raise concerns, as persistent misperceptions may result in ongoing bias, prejudicial actions and violations of human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms. At a time when the survival and evolution of humanity are of utmost importance, it is crucial to foster a clearer understanding of human nature and recognise the unexpected brilliance that may be hidden within diverse layers of society.”
"Feminist scholarship over the past few decades has decisively unsettled this androcentric historiography, revealing that women have always worked, though often in forms, spaces and relations that eluded dominant historical accounts. The present issue of , themed on “Working Women in History” s....
