Curvy women smarter

and produce smarter children! Well, I guess the plus-side is the undermining of some old stereotypes about the sorts of bodies that go with brains. Worries include the fact that study is pretty darned unconvincing from what I can see: it’s all based on a correlation between high hip-waist ratio and performance on cognitive tests. But according to critics it didn’t take into account socio-economic and dietary factors that could play a role in both.*

Just for fun, though, reflect on the curviness at issue: waist-hip ratio. Now click through to see the photo chosen as illustration. (Thanks, Mr Jender!)

* I haven’t been able to read the full article. However, Eduard’s comment suggests that these critics may have been mistaken.

Gender disparities in partner abandonment

A recent study reports:

A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called “partner abandonment.”

So it’s not just prominent Republicans…*

Thanks, Mr Jender!

* Rebecca rightly reminds me that Democrats have not exactly distinguished themselves either in the field of standing by their sick wives.

“Elegant Labia”?!

A story here on the increasing trend to cosmetic surgery for female genitals. According to the BBC story, women are undergoing surgery to create perfect genitalia amid a “shocking” lack of information on the potential risks of the procedure. Research published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology also questions the very notion of aesthetically pleasing genitals. Critics charge the practice is fueled by the desire to have the perfect porn star body. Consultant gynaecologist Sarah Creighton and psychologist Lih-Mei Liao challenged the ethics of offering women surgery to address such insecurities, suggesting it was adverts for a “homogenised, pre-pubescent genital appearance” which created these anxieties in the first place. Douglas McGeorge, past president of the the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons defended the practice saying, “Essentially this is just about removing a bit of loose flesh, leaving behind an elegant-looking labia with minimum scarring. The procedure won’t interfere with sexual function. Women want this for a number of reasons – some find it uncomfortable to ride a bike for instance, but for the majority it is aesthetic, that’s true. Lads’ mags are looked at by girlfriends, and make them think more about the way they look. We live in times where we are much more open about our bodies – and changing them – and labioplasty is simply a part of this.”

Striking this story comes just after the vagina pendant story on our blog. If you follow the link to the etsy store, you’ll see the pendants have a charming amount of variety.

Vagina Pendant*

For the feminist philosopher who has everything. (What really amuses me is the super-traditional framing.) Thanks BTPS!

To shop, go here. And no, Mr Jender, this is not a holiday-shopping hint.

* No, it’s not, as commenters have pointed out! And it’s especially sad to use the wrong terminology when you’re trying trying to get women to like their bodies. Sigh.