Against the Grain

Sex and Strength

Are women as strong as men? According to science writer Starre Vartan, in some cases, they are stronger. She argues that scientific research over the last several decades shows that culture shapes strength as much as hormones — and that much of what we presume about sex differences, strength, and athleticism harms all of us.

Starre Vartan, The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us about the Power of the Female Body Seal Press, 2025

Photo by Peter Zhan on Unsplash