Oddbean new post about login | logout Women are not only ahead in planning the family’s tasks, but they also remember (and organize) those of the rest of the family members: "Did you call the pediatrician?", "Did you find out if we can take the dog or where to leave it for the vacations?", and a long list of etceteras. This leads to what is commonly referred to as "hidden mental load". And no, my friend, women do not have a factory setup that makes them better at these tasks than men. It's not much of a mystery: these are skills that are acquired and developed with practice. There is no special female biology, which men were denied in their DNA that comes with remarkable domestic or caregiving skills (or for everything we men don't do because they supposedly do it better).
That is an opinion you are having and are entitled to it. I can empathize with certain viewpoints you hold. However as a whole I do not share them. I will humbly bow out of the conversation. Agree to disagree. Have a wonderful day.
This is an explanation based on the first post, which is data (not opinion). 😉
I only trust the data provided as much as I trust the one providing the data. Facts and figures can be falsified easily. Now with AI falsified sources with seemingly verifiable information can be attained and distributed in minutes. Your opinion is an opinion to me until I deem otherwise. My opinions are based on observation, behavioral science research in college, and first hand experiences. They are not better insights, or more qualified than your deductions. We just choose to reach different conclusions based on our own perspectives and life experiences. Be careful to worship data as the end all be all to acquiring truth. It never ends well if that is how you choose to live your life and view the world. It drastically narrows your perspectives. I will say again, very politely. I agree to disagree. I hope you will too. It is OK to have difference in opinions. Be honest with yourself. We can both be right. We can both be wrong. We both can not have a fucking clue either. Never forget we are both men making wild assumptions about women and their capabilities. Since when did having all the data ever work in men's favor when trying to comprehend the capabilities of a woman?
I appreciate your perspective and the thoughtfulness behind it. You're right that data can be manipulated, and in today's world, misinformation spreads quickly, especially with AI making it easier to create convincing yet false narratives. I agree that trusting the source is just as important as the information itself. As for our differing opinions, I absolutely agree that it's okay to disagree. Life experiences, education, and personal observations shape how we see things, and while I may lean on data for insights, it doesn't mean I'm dismissing the value of personal experience or intuition. You're right that we both could be wrong, or right, or not have all the answers—and that's part of being human. When it comes to understanding women, I think it's crucial for all of us, men included, to approach things with humility and openness. The complexity of individuals, regardless of gender, often goes beyond data or assumptions, and that's something we both can agree on. Thanks for engaging in this discussion thoughtfully. That being said, while I understand where you're coming from, there’s an important distinction between healthy skepticism and dismissing evidence altogether. Data itself isn't inherently flawed—it's how we interpret and apply it that matters. By focusing only on subjective experiences or behavior-based assumptions, there's a risk of reinforcing biases or making sweeping generalizations that may not be entirely accurate. You mention trusting data as the "end all be all" of truth, but I think you might be oversimplifying. Data can be a tool, not a doctrine. It's just one way of seeking understanding. You also seem to dismiss the role of collective research and evidence-based conclusions, which, while imperfect, have advanced our understanding of many complex issues, including gender dynamics. Lastly, your point about "wild assumptions about women" feels a bit off. While no one, including men, can fully comprehend another group’s experience, it’s not just about assumptions. It’s about making an effort to understand, listen, and respect what women themselves say about their capabilities, not relying on outdated stereotypes or one's own limited perspective. True wisdom comes from an openness to the full range of human experience, not just our own.