Non- binary genius: Intellectual hermaphroditism and androgyny in Spain (1892-1939)

ongoing

Geniuses have fascinated generation after generation, whether for their artistic achievements or their political work. However, what really constitutes genius is a question that remains undetermined. Though it is associated with a high level of intelligence, scholars from the 19th and 20th centuries argued that it took something else to be a genius. Intellectual hermaphroditism and androgyny were considered key aspects for the development of genius because of the benefits that both male and female traits could have for the equilibrium of the mind. This project focuses on the relationships between sex and genius in Spain from 1892 to 1939. I will explore how experts conceived sex differences for the explanation of genius and analyse the case of Hildegart Rodríguez, a famous Spanish child prodigy, who was specifically conceived and raised to become a genius and was later murdered by her own mother. There have been studies on genius and child prodigies that worked on the importance of genius for social progress and the lack of women genius. This project will go beyond these studies by shedding light on a non-binary conception of the mind. Through the approach of intellectual history, cultural history, and gender studies, I will work on three research objectives: 1) examine intellectual hermaphroditism or androgyny in the study of sex differences in relation to intelligence; 2) discuss how a non-binary conception of genius contributed to the nature vs nurture debate; 3) analyse correspondence and personal writings by Hildegart Rodríguez. Overall, this project aims to empower women and non-binary folk by investigating their historical role in the production of scientific knowledge. My strong background in History of Psychology, particularly in the study of intelligence and the circulation of psychological knowledge, combined with my supervisor’s expertise and the host group’s work, will ensure the successful implementation of this project.