women should run the stock market

[miriam_e]

Anybody hear the Science Show today?
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/default.htm
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/current/audioonly/ssw_20081018.mp3

There were a lot of interesting segments, but the final one really caught my attention.
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/current/audioonly/ssw_20081018_1252.mp3

Researchers have been analysing the behavior and homonal balance of stock market traders. It seems the old boys network is seriously damaging capitalism, as many of us have long suspected, but the mode of damage is really interesting.

When they compete on the trading floor men act the same way males in many other social species do -- competition raises their testosterone levels. This beefs them up and makes them indulge in more risky behavior. This is a vicious cycle where testosterone levels and risky behavior spiral upward out of control, till they are making completely stupid decisions because they are utterly unable to see with any kind of perspective. When the inevitable crash comes testosterone levels drop and cortisone levels rise, which alters their behavior again, making them more scared and cautious, but now out of synch with reality in the opposite direction, considerably worsening the effects of a financial crash.

There is no way to stop this. It is how males have evolved to act back in the day when it seemed to be a good idea to beat your opponent with a rock when he competed with you.

Women don't appear to be affected by this competition the same way. It makes sense that women should run the stock market and probably other financial institutions if we are to survive these crashes. Eunuchs and male-to-female transexuals would be safe too, I imagine.

Comments

[dorjejaguar.livejournal.com]

I've worked in large groups of women, and yes there can be weirdness there but you're right, it's certainly not the same kind and doesn't seem to affect their risk taking behavior generally.

We all got the ego thing and as long as we think we have to measure up, compete, be something we're not, ect, we'll act in ways that aren't beneficial to anyone. The lighter we wear that the happier we all are. So in a way it just seems to me like a human evolution thing. Some men are gonna be content to channel their competitive thing into being more conscious and balanced rather than less. And perhaps they will be the men that end up leading the pack. I can hope. :)

The men at my work appear to be overwhelmingly hetero. I haven't asked of course but it seems obvious to me. Most of them are married, certainly more than I'd think the general population is and most seem to have kids. "Family Life" seems pretty important to em. Though I get the feeling they often think that what they have to contribute to it is mostly money. Certainly my partner confirms that men are taught this is the case and to be a "good man" is really to be a money provider. He's questioned that programming but not all men have. A lot of these men spend a lot of time doing overtime even though it's not required.
It's kinda sad.
But anyhoo, my point is when these men are not at work their significant others are women and children. I can hope that this has a balancing effect on them.
I can and do.

Quite honestly I'd love to have more gay and bi men at my work. :)
But it is the way it is.
And I have noticed they certainly value female company.
And why wouldn't they, eh, especially with the way they often act towards each other, home must be so much nicer.

[miriam-e.livejournal.com]

"Family Life" seems pretty important to em.

That is a really interesting point. I heard the results of some research into people's values recently. The thing that came out as overwhelmingly important in their lives was their family. I have to point out that is not the same thing as so-called "family values" as touted by certain sections of society. Many of the people counted as family in the survey would have undoubtedly been gay partners (a little over a tenth of the population is gay).

The perceived requirement that men have to be good providers must be a terrible burden. I think the dehumanising pressure this puts men under is not fully recognised.

I have noticed they certainly value female company

I've read of research on the effect in workplaces when women are included in all levels. It seems to balance out and undo some of the worst results of all-male workplaces.

[dorjejaguar.livejournal.com]

Yah, I'm glad to do my part to bring some of that female energy into my workplace. :)
And I'm looking forward to more women in my workplace. I don't know when, but it's likely to happen eventually. Hopefully sooner.

And yup to the rest too.

Don't worry, I'm completely clear on the difference tween "family values" and valuing family. Very different things.

Also with the men and their dehumanizing programming... It's funny after all these years, being what appears to be unusually comfortable with men, I'm feeling like I'm beginning to see inside what it must be like to be a man, in ways I never have before. I'm not sure what triggered this seeing but I'm sure glad it's there. I'd rather be a more compassionate human being. :)