Mothers and Others
Mothers and Others
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Brief
432
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Mothers and Others, Sarah Blaffer Hrdy explores the unique sociality of human motherhood, suggesting that the need for a support network has driven human mothers to be inherently social. Combining evolutionary biology and psychology, Hrdy argues that alloparenting—where multiple caregivers are involved in raising a child—has been crucial for human survival and social development.
Informative
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
749 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sarah Blaffer Hrdy's Mothers and Others is lauded for its compelling integration of anthropology, evolutionary biology, and psychology to explore human child-rearing practices. Critics appreciate the book’s comprehensive research and accessible writing. Some, however, find its dense scientific jargon a barrier to a broader audience. Overall, it provides a thought-provoking perspective on maternal and communal caregiving.
Who Should Read Mothers and Others?
Readers who enjoy evolutionary biology and anthropology, particularly fans of Jared Diamond’s The Third Chimpanzee or Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, will appreciate Mothers and Others by Sarah Blaffer Hrdy. The book explores the evolutionary roots of cooperative parenting and social behavior, appealing to those fascinated by human development and maternal roles.
749 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
432
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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