How did societies develop across the globe and how did gender become so enmeshed in them? In this episode we join award-winning science journalist, Angela Saini, in conversation with former Australian prime-minister, Julia Gillard, as they go in search of the roots of gendered oppression. By looking at cultures throughout human history and in the modern day, they overturn simplistic universal theories to show that what patriarchy is and how far back it goes really depends on where you live.

Get Angela Saini's book: The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule

This talk was recorded from our theatre at the Royal Institution on 2 March 2023.

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Produced by: Sarah Dick

Music by: Joseph Sandy