Rethinking Mars and Venus: The truth about sex differences – and similarities – in the human brain

PDF version (328 KB)

Thursday, June 13, 2013, 6 p.m.
College Street Bar
574 College St., Toronto
RSVP: cafescientifique@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Men are assertive and analytical. Women are nurturing, intuitive and at times (ahem) moody. These gender stereotypes, reinforced by countless self-help books, have major implications for our daily relationships – including our love lives. But are these perceived differences actually based in biology? Could these common gender stereotypes have more to do with our environments than our brains?

Researchers are beginning to sort science fact from science fiction when it comes to sex differences – and similarities – in the human brain. Their work is challenging some widely held beliefs about the differences between men and women. Could PMS moodiness actually be a myth? What role do sex and gender play in our response to stress? If men and women aren’t from different planets after all, how does this change our understanding of love and relationships?

Join us as we bust popular myths about sex, gender and the brain, and in turn cast a light on the gender assumptions we didn’t know we had.

This free event is hosted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and its Institute of Gender and Health. Space is limited.

Experts

Gillian Einstein, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology and Public Health
University of Toronto

Jens Pruessner, PhD
Director, McGill Centre for Studies in Aging
McGill University

Mari Ruti, PhD
Associate Professor of Critical Theory
University of Toronto
Author, The Case for Falling in Love

Moderator

Diana Frances
CBC Radio, Dating Diana