Testosterone Rex: Myths of Sex, Science, and Society

In this book, the author challenges the widely accepted belief that biological differences and sex hormones like testosterone inherently hardwire men and women into rigid, traditional gender roles. Fine systematically deconstructs the conventional “Testosterone Rex” narrative—which claims that evolution made men competitive risk-takers and women cautious caretakers. By combining extensive scientific research across neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and endocrinology with sharp wit, she argues that our brains and behaviors are much more dynamic, adaptable, and heavily influenced by culture rather than just fixed hormonal blueprints.