The essential difference : the truth about the male and female brain

We all appreciate that there are differences in the typical psychology of men and women. Yet underlying these subtle differences, Simon Baron-Cohen believes, there is one __essential__ difference, and it affects everything we do: Men have a tendency to analyze and construct systems while women are inclined to empathize. With fresh evidence for these claims, Baron-Cohen explores how these sex differences arise more from biological than cultural causes and shows us how each brain type contributes in various ways to what we think of as "intelligence." Emphasizing that not all men have the typically "male" brain, which he calls Type "S," and not all women have the typically female brain (Type "E"), Baron-Cohen explores the cutting-edge research that illuminates our individual differences and explains why a truly "balanced" brain is so rare. Filled with surprising and illuminating case studies, many from Baron-Cohen's own clinical practice, __The Essential Difference__ moves beyond the stereotypes to elucidate over twenty years of groundbreaking research. From gossip to aggression, Baron-Cohen dissects each brain type and even presents a new theory that autism (as well as its close relative, Asperger's syndrome) can be understood as an extreme form of the male brain. Smart and engaging, this is the thinking person's guide to gender difference, a book that promises to change the conversation about-and between-men and women. "Leading psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen confirms what most of us had suspected all along: that male and female brains are different. This groundbreaking and controversial book reveals the scientific evidence (present even in one-day-old babies) which proves that female-type brains are better at empathizing and communicating, while male brains are stronger at understanding and building systems - not just computers and machinery, but abstract systems such as politics and music." "Filled with surprising and illuminating case studies, many from Baron-Cohen's own clinical practice, The Essential Difference moves beyond the stereotypes to elucidate over twenty years of pioneering research. From gossip to aggression, Baron-Cohen dissects each brain type and even presents a revolutionary new theory that autism (and its close relative, Asperger's syndrome) is actually an example of the extreme male brain. His theory can explain why those who live with this condition are brilliant at analyzing the most complex systems, yet cannot relate to the emotional lives of those closest to them."--Jacket "At last, leading psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen confirms what most of us have long suspected: male and female brains are different. This groundbreaking and controversial study reveals the scientific evidence (present even in one-day-old babies) that proves female brains are better at empathizing and communicating, while male brains are stronger at understanding and building systems--not just computers and machinery, but abstract systems such as politics and music. Most revolutionary of all, The Essential Difference also puts forward the compelling new theory that autism (and the related condition of Asperger Syndrome) is actually an example of the extreme male brain, leaving those with the condition able to analyze the most complex systems but unable to relate to others' emotional lives. Understanding our essential difference, Simon Baron-Cohen concludes, may help us not just to make sense of our partners' foibles, but to solve one of the most mysterious scientific riddles of our time."--Back cover of paperback

The science behind Mars and Venus, including the surprising link between the extreme male brain and autism

The Washington Post

He has come up with a fascinating crazy-quilt of studies to prove our sexual differences...I thank Simon Baron-Cohen more than I can say for having written this book. It has explained a good part of my own life to me; it's made men achingly human to me.—Carolyn See

The male and female brain -- Boy meets girl -- What is empathizing? -- The female brain as empathizer : the evidence -- What is systemizing? -- The male brain as systemizer : the evidence -- Culture -- Biology -- Evolution of the male and female brain -- Autism : the extreme male brain -- A professor of mathematics -- The extreme female brain : back to the future Draws on the author's experience in clinical practice to identify a basic, biological difference in male and female psychology, profiling and presenting evidence about gender-based brain types to offer insight into a range of behaviors and conditions The subject of essential sex differences in the mind is clearly very deli .