Cory Clark on the 'Great Feminization' Theory

With 2025 winding down, we at Lean Out wanted to take a look back at one of the most controversial stories of the year — and to see if we could have a calm, reasonable conversation about a divisive issue. I’m talking about the feminization theory, or the idea that the shifting sex ratios in influential institutions comes with both positive and negative consequences. My guest on the program today is a scholar who is studying that phenomenon. Her recent paper, for the Journal of Controversial Ideas, is “From Worriers to Warriors: The Cultural Rise of Women.” Cory Clark is an American behavioural scientist. She’s an associate professor of psychology at New College of Florida and director of the Adversarial Collaboration Project. Cory Clark is my guest, today on Lean Out. Transcript to come for paid subscribers. Lean Out with Tara Henley is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lean Out with Tara Henley at tarahenley.substack.com/subscribe