There are differences between men and women, or boys and girls, on average, but what's the point of studying them?
I am all for science and the search for truth, but when we study ourselves, there are potential political implications.
And I am not talking only about sexual differences.
There is no need to classify human beings, because in the best case it will only be accurate -on average- and mostly because the way society structures itself is already integrating all the individual differences, we do not need to reinforce that.
> "I am all for science and the search for truth, but when we study ourselves, there are potential political implications."
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." --Philip K. Dick
We can choose to stick our heads in the sand but whatever underlying reality is out there remains there, continuing to operate. It's better to face the truth, however painful it is, than to try to hide from it.
To me this is a backwards approach to science if I am understanding you correctly in saying that we shouldn't do studies if they have political implications or might potentially reinforce differences?
We should seek to know the truth, regardless of the politics of that truth, imho.
This is similar to the argument used against science by religion in the past. I think the pursuit of science comes with the embedded belief that we can handle the truth.
Studying the demographics of different people can allow us to accommodate them better. Maybe instead of entrenching oppression it could lead to knowledge that overcomes it.
I am all for science and the search for truth, but when we study ourselves, there are potential political implications.
And I am not talking only about sexual differences.
There is no need to classify human beings, because in the best case it will only be accurate -on average- and mostly because the way society structures itself is already integrating all the individual differences, we do not need to reinforce that.