Lenard Sax Hypothesis Summary

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The hypothesis by Lenard Sax, suggests the differences between male and female can be explained in part, by the differences within their eyes. Lenard Sax believes, differences between the sexes it is not a matter of social construction but one of biological construction. He gives thought provoking data showing differences in retina thickness between male and female, in addition, he focuses other research to show the connections of visual distinction among the different sexes. One such study showed children, male and female, with contrasting artistic venues and color palettes.

Mark Liberman on the other hand, objected to flaws within the data used. He pointed to a study of retina thickness in different ethnicities between
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That purportedly gave Dr. Sax a point of reference where to start, within the eyes, as babies have not formed a social bias. Setting aside retina thickness, which is conjectural, the babies did become visually fixated on what intrigued them the most. Interpretations of our visual world are learned, but from a baby's standpoint, there is no experience or social construction guiding them one way or the other. The retinal thickness seemed to be a possible reason for visual preference.

Would it be different with children that had been born blind? I wonder if given choices of trucks, or dolls blind children would have a preference? What would that prove if they did or did not? By the feeling of objects alone, perceived to be gender specific, would a male child carry around a doll instead of a truck and vice versa. I was curious, but could find nothing on the subject.

Dr. Sax pointed to one example of preferences in drawing pictures. The teacher disliked the boy's picture in favor of the female's colorful palette and chosen subjects, which left the boy feeling inadequate, that was