September 28th, 2007 Posted in Psychology, Reviews, WTF?

Review: Sperm Wars by Robin Baker

I was bought this book as a present by someone and he told me it is “the scariest book I have ever read”. I agree, but for a different reason. The basic premise of the book is that due to evolution, we have inherited mating strategies that result in us promoting our family line. Sperm Wars describes a hypothesis to “explain” this. Essentially, women aim to confuse their partners as to their fertile time, sleep with as many men as possible and then let the sperm battle amongst themselves to fertilise her egg. May the best sperm win.

While Baker makes a strong argument for this hypothesis, the book and methodology sets off red flashing lights to me.

1. The book is based around hypothetical “scenes” that aim to back up the hypothesis. Which of course, they do, because they are made up.

2. Scientific research is referred to in a pop psychology “studies show that” format, with no references or discussion of the research. Also, no opposing arguments are introduced.

3. As with other evolutionary biologists, Baker makes sweeping claims such as “we inherit our behaviours” and “all women do such and such, and they are not even aware of it, because their bodies are programmed to…”. Such claims are not backed up with research findings.

4. No testable, falsifiable statements are made. A situation is interpreted through the favoured hypothesis, and if it doesn’t fit, it is explained away by a supporting hypothesis. This is very bad form, and puts this example of evolutionary psychology on a par with belief in god, or little green men.

5. It is assumed that all we want is to reproduce, and that is the only reason we have sex. Not because, for example, it is fun. The use of contraception or abstinence has not been covered yet. Having lots of kids fulfils no function in our society, as we look after our weak and old. An extended family is not required any more. Evolution would have cottoned on to this by now.

Overall, this book suffers in the same way that other evolutionary “science” does. Huge assumptions are made and never challenged. Because we don’t have any other answer on where we came from apart from “god”, anyone that challenges the theory of evolution is railed at. It is perfectly acceptable to retain a level of scepticism about evolution. On a grander scale, we may have certain inclinations, but being self aware creatures, we can choose to act on them or not. Sperm Wars makes us out to be clueless animals that can’t help ourselves. So, the book is scary in many ways, but mostly down to it’s wild claims and cringeworthy sex scenes.