In the book "Man and Woman: A Study of Human Secondary Sexual Characters" by Havelock Ellis, published in 1904, the author delves into the complex and fascinating topic of the differences between men and women in terms of their physical characteristics.
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| Man and Woman: A Study of Human Secondary Sexual Characters |
The book begins with an exploration of the primitive sexual division of labor, highlighting how men were primarily militant while women were mainly involved in industrial activities. Despite this division, Ellis argues that among savage races, women were not necessarily inferior to men and were often valued for their contributions to society.
As the book progresses, Ellis discusses how the industries traditionally associated with women were gradually taken over by men, leading to a shift in the status of women in different societies. He also examines the medieval attitude towards women and the physiological mystery of womanhood, shedding light on the complexities of gender roles throughout history.
In Chapter II, Ellis addresses the approach to studying secondary sexual characters, defining them and comparing them to tertiary sexual characters. He emphasizes the importance of considering standards of comparison and avoiding biases in research. The author also explores the growth and proportions of the body, highlighting the differences between male and female forms in terms of size, height, weight, and various body parts such as the abdomen, breasts, chest, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Through a detailed analysis of these physical characteristics, Ellis draws general conclusions about the differences between men and women.
Overall, "Man and Woman: A Study of Human Secondary Sexual Characters" provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the biological and social factors that contribute to the differences between men and women. Ellis's thorough research and thoughtful analysis make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of gender and sexuality.
