Patriarchy or Biology? Dr. Sarah Hill on gender, resources, and evolution

The birth control pill, widely praised for empowering women with reproductive choice, may also influence their psychology and relationships in unexpected ways.

Dr. Sarah Hill, evolutionary psychologist and author of "How the Pill Changes Everything: Your Brain on Birth Control", discussed these hidden impacts on Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett.

Hill delved into the evolutionary basis of women’s mate preferences, explaining: “Throughout most of our evolutionary history, women were very dependent on their partners for resources and protection.

“This is because pregnancy, lactation, and caring for young children often left women unable to fend for themselves. Women who prioritised resourceful and dependable partners were more likely to have surviving offspring, passing this preference down through generations,” Hill said.

However, hormonal birth control introduces a modern twist. By mimicking pregnancy-like hormonal states, the pill can alter a woman’s natural attraction cues.

“Research suggests that women on birth control may make different choices about their partners. They might prioritise traits like emotional stability or dependability over physical attractiveness or genetic compatibility,” Hill noted.

Hill also addressed how birth control intersects with broader societal dynamics, including gender roles.

"The patriarchy exists, but it’s not simply about men banding together to hoard resources.

"Instead, it’s a product of men’s evolved psychology to compete for resources because women, historically, have demanded resource access from their partners,” she explained.

The discussion challenges conventional views of attraction and gender roles, revealing how ancient survival strategies still influence modern life. Hill’s insights encourage a deeper understanding of how biology, evolution, and the pill collectively shape relationships and society today.

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