Charles Darwin's 'On The Origin Of Species'

Charles Darwin is a naturalist who first began to investigate his interest in natural science with his study of finches on the Galapagos Islands. It is said that this study is the one that sparked his interest in developing his evolutionary theory. He is the author of On the Origin of Species, published in 1859, which he later built upon to write the Descent of Man which he published in 1871. He is well known for the development of the theory of evolution in which he puts forth the idea that humans evolve from apes through natural and sexual selection. At the time, the theory of evolution was dynamic and in high opposition. While the theory of evolution is still known today as a scientific breakthrough, Darwin’s scientific representation of the so-called “superiority” of the male, physically and mentally, over the female has been detrimental to the freedom of the female, which can still be seen to this day.
Darwin’s Descent of Man reinforced prevailing ideas about the construction of binary gender differences and female intellectual inferiority.
Patricia Murphy, in her essay, “Reevaluating Female “Inferiority”: Sarah Grand versus Charles Darwin,” states that “by linking a perceived mental inferiority of women to the mechanism of evolution, Darwin seemingly brought scientific proof to support a cultural truism” which generated “significant repercussions (221).” Later texts such as […] and […] suggest that sex differences are not as meaningful as they have been portrayed by Darwin and Gamble. Darwin’s ideology of gender is reflective of Victorian ideologies at the time Descent of Man was written. The prevailing view was a dichotomous standard that put men and women on opposite sides of the spectrum due to “essential” characteristics, which contributes to and enforces the existing social
hierarchy. Darwin places great importance on the differences between the sexes which is mirrored in Victorian ideology. Darwin’s work further served to enforce the Victorian way of thinking. Colonialism and socialism were rising and gaining attention at the time of Darwin’s publishing. This was not in the best interest of those already in power which led to the search for differences between humans in order to maintain control. Darwin’s ideas are reflective of dichotomous ideologies and his Descent of Man even portrays the sexist views as facts. In part three, Darwin brazenly explains that women are intellectually inferior to men in a number of ways. He attributes these essentialist qualities to natural selection, constructing the differences as concrete as opposed to something that can be improved. It is shown when he writes about “The chief distinction in the intellectual powers of the two sexes is shown by man’s attaining to a higher eminence, in whatever he takes up, than can woman - whether requiring deep thought, reason, or imagination, or merely the use of the senses and hands (726).” Darwin argues that the main difference between the intellect of humans is based on gender and that men will be better at anything regarding the tiniest bit of thought. His statement is not backed up by evidence, instead, it is attributed to biological determinism. Kaplan and Rogers show this is common in science and write that “…science, despite its claimed search for truth, universality, repeatability and alleged value-free approach to its objects of study…is, in fact, swayed by social values and attitudes (32).” The quote shows that even science, which is supposed to be based on evidence, can be biased and created out of the attitudes and values of the scientists conducting research. Darwin’s ideas about sex differences are a product of his time. By framing women as intellectually inferior, it allows for the justification of the treatment of women. This tactic helped to contribute to the sexist social hierarchy already prevalent in society.