" The Natural Superiority of Women " is a seminal 1953 book (and earlier 1952 article) written by British-American anthropologist Ashley Montagu. The work argues from a biological and anthropological perspective that women are naturally superior to men. Core Arguments & Themes
Information on how Montagu's views compare to modern ? ANTHROPOLOGIST ASHLEY MONTAGU - Chicago Tribune The Natural Superiority of Women
The book was part of a broader effort by Montagu (who helped draft a 1949 UN statement on race) to argue against biological determinism regarding race, while curiously turning that same focus toward "natural" sex roles in this specific work. Draft and Publication Context " The Natural Superiority of Women " is
The work emphasizes that women possess a natural, inborn capacity for love, cooperation, and nurture. Conversely, he argued that men’s reliance on "muscular power" led to harmful behaviors in modern society, such as "psychopaths, drug abusers, and barroom brawlers". ANTHROPOLOGIST ASHLEY MONTAGU - Chicago Tribune The book
According to the American Philosophical Society , the Ashley Montagu Papers (Mss.Ms.Coll.109) hold several complete manuscripts of his work, including The Natural Superiority of Women , alongside his correspondence, which may provide further insight into the drafting process. from the original 1952 Ladies' Home Journal article?
An early version was published in the Saturday Evening Post , creating significant attention. Another piece, “The Natural Superiority of Women,” appeared in the Ladies' Home Journal in July 1952.
While the book was radical for its time by advocating for equal pay, it also angered some feminists by arguing that women should stay home to raise children. Archived Materials