Brain of Male Artists: Why Are Most Legendary Artists Men?

  • Thread starter Thread starter tommyburgey
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mind
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of why most legendary artists are men, exploring potential biological, social, and cultural factors that may contribute to this phenomenon. It touches on historical contexts, gender differences, and the subjective nature of artistic recognition.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Historical
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that social and cultural factors play a significant role in the recognition of artists, rather than innate biological differences.
  • Others argue that historical limitations on women's education and opportunities in the arts have contributed to the male dominance in legendary artistry.
  • One participant mentions the potential impact of exposure to art materials on women, particularly expectant mothers, as a factor influencing participation in the arts.
  • There are claims that biological differences between genders may influence artistic ability, though the extent and implications of these differences remain uncertain.
  • Some participants reference studies indicating no strong gender dominance in artistic skills, suggesting that both men and women have comparable abilities in art.
  • A few contributions highlight the subjective nature of what constitutes "legendary" art and how this is influenced by societal perceptions and historical narratives.
  • One participant posits that as societal views on women in art have evolved, more female artists have gained recognition, citing examples like Georgia O'Keeffe and Frida Kahlo.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no consensus reached on the reasons behind the predominance of male artists in historical contexts. The discussion remains unresolved, with competing perspectives on the influence of biology versus social factors.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the need to clarify assumptions regarding biological differences and their relevance to artistic ability. The discussion also reflects on the historical context of gender roles and opportunities in the arts.

  • #61
falc39 said:
I was hoping that this being a scientific forum that I wouldn't have to write about testosterone and its effects, but maybe I do have to, just so we can answer the OP's original question...

What we've been discussing here, "legendary artistic ability", is a relative and subjective concept, and there's no clear way to disentangle a biological basis from social and cultural factors in the past.

I took a look for "testosterone and sexual transmutation" as you suggested earlier, and mostly found strange, crackpottish links selling books such as "SEX TRANSMUTATION:How to use SEX to "electrify" your mental powers and become a rampant creative genius!"

I'm sorry, but that sort of stuff just sets my teeth on edge. If you have references to specifically testosterone-related studies from credible sources, that might fare better in the future when supporting your posts.

From the social sciences perspective, I think things have run their course here. Thread closed.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
18K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
549
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
44
Views
13K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 100 ·
4
Replies
100
Views
10K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
18K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K