The Idea of Woman and Man

In this episode, Laura and Chris discuss how the fullest expression of femininity and masculinity can be found in motherhood and fatherhood. Motherhood and fatherhood are not simply biological realities. In fact, these concepts can be applied to those who never have biological children, but express their motherhood and fatherhood by taking on the care of others. Finally, Laura and Chris present ideas on what stages sons and daughters pass through to become fathers and mothers.

Complementarity between women and men can have an ease about it, but is also very difficult. It requires sacrifice and patience. The interplay of differences makes complementarity possible, but costly. Laura and Chris argue that the complementarity is worth the difficulty and that a common project rooted in a profound worldview is necessary ingredient for a successful relationship. They also go on a few fun tangents!

In this episode, Laura and Chris present a brief history of the origins of the current understanding of power dynamics between the sexes. They also discuss who has more power in relationships between women and men, and how male-female power dynamics influence dating relationships, families, and public life.

With so many negative portrayals of masculinity in the news media and entertainment industry, Laura and Chris discuss positive masculinity. We are are all well aware that there are bad men around. What about the good men? What are they like, and what have they done for society and the world?

Article discussed in episode:
Kiselica, M. S., Benton-Wright, S., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2016). Accentuating positive masculinity: A new foundation for the psychology of boys, men, and masculinity. In Y. J. Wong & S. R. Wester (Eds.), APA handbook of men and masculinities (pp. 123–143). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14594-006

In this episode, Chris and Laura discuss another way to manage hardship, distress, and painful experiences: to flee from them, compartmentalize them, and abandon the need to face them. How do you hold on to hardship? Don't lean in too closely, but careful not to run either. There is a true way.

In this episode, Laura and Chris talk about ways women and men respond to suffering and distress. Can you hold onto hardship too tightly? They highlight the importance of knowing how to respond when things go badly as this is a window into understanding your character and general approach to life. Stay tuned for part 2 next week. 

In this episode, Laura and Chris discuss personal integrity as the condition for relational integrity. They cover the current approach to sex and gender (including gender identity and sexual orientation), the importance of integrating reason and emotion in relationships, and how emotional reactivity can harm the integrated life.

Why is our narrative important for us? What role does my femininity or masculinity play in my narrative? How can ignorance of my story leave me open to manipulation? Listen in as Laura and Chris discuss how one's masculinity or femininity is woven into a person's memory of where they came from, their present, and what they intend for the future.

Are Femininity and Masculinity stereotypes? Ideals? Possible ways of being human?  What is the force of social constructionism and essentialism in gender conversations today? Laura and Chris discuss the importance of these concepts for us.

In this episode, we answer. How can women and men be both equal and different? Why does it matter?