EPISODE · Feb 23, 2026
#133 | Why Feminist Studies Don’t Belong in Academia
from Ancient Intelligence · host Anya Shakhmeyster
About This EpisodeIn this guest episode I sit down with Professor Marc J. Defant, Professor of Geology and Geochemistry whose work spans the physical sciences and evolutionary psychology.Recently he published a peer-reviewed paper in Sexuality & Culture titled “Evolutionary Psychology and the Crisis of Empirical Rigor in Feminist Studies” - https://rdcu.be/eOkjZThe paper argues that much of modern feminist scholarship is ideology and not grounded in any truth. Professor Defant and I discuss how social constructivism has created confusion about relationships, work, masculinity, and femininity. We explore human evolution, parental investment theory, cross-cultural studies of mate selection preferences, and much more.Listen in to learn how feminism might have broken an old template but has gone too far in denying human nature, why suppressing sex differences actually clarifies them more, the real roots of the pay gap, and what’s really going on between men and women today.Get in touch with Professor Marc J. Defant here: https://www.marcdefant.com/about/-Watch his TED talk here: https://youtu.be/_nCOhrYV7eg?si=SmxngOyM1fTCaO1aTIMESTAMPS:TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Intro & Attraction Differences01:00 — Introducing Professor Marc J. Defant 01:56 — Background in Evolutionary Psychology 03:11 — Feminist Critiques of Biology 04:00 — Social Constructivism vs. Instincts 06:48 — Motherhood & Changing Priorities 08:44 — How Fatherhood Changes Men 10:11 — Human Evolution & Brain Size 11:51 — Male Parental Investment 14:25 — Cross-Cultural Mate Preferences 14:56 — Why Men Value Youth & Beauty 16:26 — Modern Women Providing Resources 18:51 — The APA on Toxic Masculinity 20:06 — High-Earning Women & Divorce 21:33 — The Crisis in Feminist Studies 23:44 — Fat Studies & Health at Every Size 25:52 — Body Positivity & Reproductive Suppression 28:16 — Unrealistic Beauty Standards 29:32 — Societal Pressures on Young Men 31:24 — Objectification vs. Natural Attraction 32:20 — The Importance of Inner Beauty 33:53 — Women's Long-Term Mate Preferences 35:28 — Hetero-Pessimism & Dating Apathy 36:21 — Female Entitlement & Independence 37:04 — The Patriarchy & The Pay Gap 38:35 — Flexibility & Occupational Choices 40:01 — Women Dominating Modern Fields 42:00 — Rethinking Societal Expectations 44:36 — Male Competition & Workplace Dynamics 46:08 — Did Early Feminism Misunderstand Needs? 47:00 — The Alternative Path of Early Feminism 49:15 — The Biological Reality of the Sexes 51:45 — Consequences of Blank Slate Theory 54:10 — Equal Opportunity vs. Equal Outcomes 56:30 — How Men & Women Communicate Differently 59:00 — The Importance of Complementary Roles 01:01:20 — Fixing the Modern Dating Market 01:03:45 — Advice for Young Men Today 01:06:15 — Navigating Career vs. Motherhood 01:08:45 — Building a Meaningful Partnership 01:12:46 — Discussing Marriage Expectations Early___________________________Beyond the podcast I'm a men's mental health coach. I help you reprogram the patterns and belief systems that are sabotaging your power, peace, and love life. Ready to make some life changes? Book a free consultation today - https://calendly.com/anyashakh/discov...If you found some value today then help me spread the word! Share this episode with a friend or leave a review. This helps the podcast grow.You can also watch the episodes on youtube hereFollow me on Instagram @anyashakhSubscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://anyashakh.substack.com (Insights about men and women in your inbox every week)
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#133 | Why Feminist Studies Don’t Belong in Academia
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