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This is a new book by Diane L. Rosenfeld and man.... I had no idea that our close cousins, the bonobos, have so much more freedom than we do as female primates. If we could live in solidarity the way they do, we could absolutely change everything in this world. Everything. I really encourage anyone to read this book, stat. I found it on a whim at my local library, and I'm only about a fourth of the way through, and I immediately went and bought my own copy, as well as Lundy Bancroft's book.
Has anyone else read this? What did you think?
This sounds fascinating. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Bonobos are my favourite animals for this reason! Haven’t read this book but there is a great documentary on Bonobos vs Chimpanzees (they look the same) but operate differently. The film makes comparisons with human society and both these primates socialisation. The takeaway is incredible and the same: if we develop more matriarchal societies, everyone is better off and significantly more civilised. It’s fascinating! I tell anyone who will listen about Bonobos. Additionally in parts of Southern Africa where society is more matriarchal, the people are described as meek, when in fact they are just peaceful. Men in this societies have no precedent to act loudly, violently and erratic. And when they see this behaviour displayed by outsiders they are usually shocked or amused.
Thanks for this, I think the contrast between our closest relatives, bonobos and chimps, is really interesting. I'm definitely team bonobos myself. It also makes me think of what happened to a troop of baboons that lived near a tourist area; the troop lived off of the human garbage, but only the aggressive alpha males could eat there as they didn't allow females or lower status males. The alpha males tended to bully and abuse the rest of the troop in general. A tuberculosis outbreak tainted the garbage and killed the aggressive alpha males, which had lasting effects on the troop - they were much more peaceful and less stressed. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-04-13-0404130218-story.html
Ooh, I just snagged a library ebook copy. Gonna dig in this weekend. Thank you for the recommendation!
I’ve got a copy and have been meaning to read it for a while - thanks for reminding!