Philosophy and Gender Statistics

[Bring4th_Austin]

I am a bit befuddled as to why, in this discussion about why there are not more female posters on the forum, there seems to be basically no discussion about the culture of this forum itself potentially being more attractive and conducive to masculine energies?

I have a unique bit of insight into the statistics behind those who read the Law of One (online, anyways). It is true that there is a slight skew towards younger men in the deomgraphic, but not nearly as drastic as statistics of PhDs described in the OP. And I can't really buy much of the argument being made in this thread.

30% of females had earned a Ph.D in philosophy in relation to the total number of Ph.D's earned in this field - I think Spaced and C_A have pretty well spelled out why this might be. The assumption, in my mind, should not be that women are innately less likely to be interested in philosophy just because they're women. I will not deny that there are some things innate to men and women, but determining exactly what those things are - when we've had a culture that has put men on the forefront of fields such as philosophy and even actively suppressed feminine participation - is basically useless, in my eyes.

It's a much likelier explanation to me that the field seems to appeal to men because the culture of the field does not appeal to women. Not the field itself. When all you learn about is men, when 70% of the potential peers are men, and (in all likelihood) you have to try much harder than a man to be heard within the field - that's a serious uphill battle for a woman who might be interested in studying philosophy.

I would take a similar perspective to the forum. What is it about the forum culture - not the subject - that keeps women from participating.


1) because it's a rather anonymous and impersonal interaction and 2) because the Forum is biased quite a bit towards a more intellectual approach. And this is not related to the LOO, but only to the forum. - I would not be surprised if statistics agreed with you, for one reason or another. Whether it's innate in genders to be drawn to a particular style of communication or another is not something I think can be accurately determined, as with the previous topic.

But there are many, many online forums that have a more balanced gender ratio. There are many forums that skew more towards female participation. The medium itself, in my eyes, does not repel women. Perhaps the culture is reinforced by an impersonal medium - it is still a cultural thing.


I have to admit I am quite impressed by the rational side of women interested in the LOO. It's really not something I have crossed elsewhere in my life....maybe ever. - Speaking of culture. I know that this statement may be made as a compliment, but if I put myself in the shoes of a woman, I would take it as quite demeaning to women in general. I am not commenting on the intent of the statement, only on how it can be perceived. To me, it paints a thread like this in a negative light, influences how the rest of the discussion comes off. It seems as though you are saying that women in general are irrational, but the women attracted to the Law of One are special and they like the material despite the fact that they're women. I suspect women do not want to be a part of a culture where they are simply assumed to be irrational because of their gender.


Labeling in this manner I don't think is helpful in any way at all, aside from exercising the 3D mind because it loves patterns. - I understand the sentiment and on a certain level, I agree. But identifying patterns is a 3rd density trait for a reason (beyond the traditional, scientific, evolutionary reaosns). We exist in a realm where our consciousness is mostly unconscious. We are quite unaware of our own biases, emotional roots, prejudices, and general place within a vastly connected system. Identifying our own patterns helps us to bring the unconscious to the conscious and identify our biases that are painting our reality, both as individuals and as cultures.

For instance, on an individual level - let's say I go through my days being emotionally tormented by a vast array of things. I'm constantly feeling the drain of negative emotions, never fully feeling at peace with myself and my emotions. In my eyes, it is incredibly helpful to start labeling things - emotions, circumstances, events - and looking for the patterns that draw out particular emotions. The patterns reveal my own inner biases and distortions, allowing me to acknowledge them and address them. In doing so, I can reach a more balanced state where my emotions do not keep me down as much and, eventually, I find myself in a more constant, peaceful, steady state no matter the circumstances.

On a group level, identifying patterns can be just as helpful. I understand how identifying labels can seems as though it is reinforcing them, and thus reinforcing the separation, but if we simply ignore the ways in which society treats certain types of individuals differently, we will never identify our cultural biases and distortions. Before the labels and distinctions can be erased, they have to first be acknowledged, addressed, and balanced. To ignore the labels will allow the biases to remain unconscious, unaddressed, and they will perpetuate themselves.

If there is a pattern of less female participation in a field (or on the forums), I think it's very much worth it to identify that disparity and see if it reveals anything about our cultural biases and distortions. And I would ask the men who feel as though the culture of this forum is not the reason for lesser female participation to please, earnestly and with compassion, try to put yourself in the shoes of a woman who reads some of the words that have been shared lately. When I do so, it doesn't exactly surprise me that there are fewer women here.