Where have societies' views of women come from?

[byeya]

53. Genetically, humans are slightly closer to common chimps than bonobos, I think. When a bonobo female

is fertile it is not obvious to others and, probably, even herself. When a common chimp female is in her fertile state, it is obvious to all. This will account for some the their social behavior.

Common chimps do the "primate stare" meaning a male and female are sexually attracted to one another and then often are able to go off privately to have sex. When the common chimp female returns to the group, most of the males will try to mate with her.

With humans, I think it's important to remember that many behaviors are potential and will remain unexpressed if the society and ecological constrains are benign. As an example, the potential for violence is always there, but need not be expressed if the conditions to not push the person, or group, in that direction.