81: Gina Rippon: The Myth of the Gendered Brain

Sep 30, 2019

For decades, if not centuries, science has backed up society’s simple dictum that the brains of men and women are hardwired differently. However, acclaimed professor of neuroimaging Gina Rippon offered new research that suggests that this idea of the brain is little more than “neurotrash.” Rippon arrived at Town Hall with insight from her book Gender and Our Brains to challenge this damaging myth. She revealed how the scientific community has engendered bias and stereotype by rewarding studies that show difference rather than sameness.

Drawing on cutting edge research in neuroscience and psychology, Rippon presented the latest evidence which indicates that brains are like mosaics comprised of both male and female components, and that they remain plastic, adapting throughout the course of a person’s life. Join Rippon for a discussion of the ways our gender identities are shaped by society, and a chance to tear down the scientific misconceptions perpetuated by modern science to the detriment of our children, our own lives, and our culture.

Professor Gina Rippon is an international cognitive neuroscience researcher based at the Aston Brain Centre at Aston University in Birmingham. Her research involves the use of state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques to investigate developmental disorders such as autism. Rippon is an advocate for initiatives to help overcome the under-representation of women in STEM subjects. She is part of a European Union Gender Equality Network, WISE, and ScienceGrrl, and is a member of Robert Peston’s Speakers4Schools programme and the Inspiring the Future initiative.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle as part of the 2019 Homecoming Festival. Recorded live in the Forum on September 20, 2019.