Barbara Kay: The experiment that turned popular gender theory on its head | National Post

I decided to post this article by Barbara Kay on my blog, The Sovereign Patient, because we cannot operate in a healthcare vacuum. The nexus of progressive “social justice” ideologies being pushed by means of social coercion, political correctness, & educational dogma has a profound effect on honest scientific inquiry, and the interpretation of scientific evidence. When sociopolitical ideology operates under cover of a pseudo-scientific veneer in hopes of marginalizing any opposition to their artificially constructed hierarchy, then it becomes a profound risk to a free society; much as the Roman (Catholic) Inquisition tried to stamp out dissent and alternate views in the 16th century.

In 2008, Norway was chosen as the top country in the world for gender equality by the World Economic Forum. And yet, in what is known as the “Norwegian gender equality paradox,” gender-segregated labour markets persist in gender equality-oriented welfare states.

A 2011 television documentary broadcast by Norwegian State Television. Made by popular satirical comedian Harald Elia (who also holds a degree in social sciences), “Hjernevask—Norwegian for “Brainwashing” exposed the unscientific character of the NIKK and its research.

Their discomfort is palpable. But they stonewall, dismissing the research of giants in the field out of hand (“weak studies”). One says it is the role of social science to “challenge” biological thinking. Elia is taken aback. Isn’t science science? Finally he asks, “How do you know there are no (biological differences between the sexes)?” The stunning answer from one: “My hypothesis is that there are none.” Equally damning from the other: “I have what you would call a theoretical basis.”

When Norwegian viewers saw their gender emperors revealed in all their unscientific nakedness by this impudent “boy,” many shamed the powers that be, which presumably contributed to the council’s decision to defund what was clearly an ideological house of card.

Notwithstanding more equality in opportunity, choice, pay and work/life balance support, women have resisted entering certain traditionally male-dominated professions, and men have resisted entering certain traditionally female-dominated ones.

Nobody in government has suggested discrimination or lack of opportunity is a factor. And strenuous efforts to recruit men to nursing and women to engineering have been made. Yet lo! The gender breakdown in certain occupations remains stubbornly unchanged. Policy-makers raised on the kinds of “social construction” gender-gap theories that govern Google’s diversity policies must be flummoxed.

Gender warriors, please don’t shoot the messenger. Take the Hjernevask challenge and watch the documentary. If, after watching it, you still think social construction and discrimination account for the gender gap at Google, well, my advice is to not take ocean cruises lest you fall off the side of the world.