We Overestimate Sex Differences

Updated: 2026.05.06 2H ago 1 sources
Recent research finds people routinely overestimate how different men and women are in sexual desires and casual‑sex willingness. The sexes do differ on average, but the real effect sizes are substantially smaller than folk beliefs suggest. — Correcting public overestimates of sex differences can soften polarized gender narratives and improve evidence‑based policy and interpersonal expectations.

Sources

Mindreading Mishaps
Steve Stewart-Williams 2026.05.06 100% relevant
Summary of Paola Baca et al.'s published findings (as presented by Steve Stewart‑Williams) that both sexes overestimate average desired partner counts, casual‑sex willingness, and men's comfort with sex without love.
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