A really important book for our age

Kathleen Stock clearly explains, backed up by philosophical argument, what gender identity theory is and how it is changing our world. She dismantles the arguments of gender identity theorists whilst retaining sympathy with trans people, and explains why feminists embracing trans activism are doing their own cause damage. She reads it carefully and clearly. I plan to buy it in paper- it is the kind of book where you need to refer back, and would definitely warrant several readings. It is a refreshing, unhysterical and incisive dismantling of theories and trends which are taking over our institutions in unexamined ways, with consequences we mostly have our eyes shut to, in the laudable name of tolerance and liberalism. Ignore the shrill cries of transphobic! TERF! levelled by trans activists - this is a must read for anyone who cares about the future of liberal society.

21 people found this helpful

A great introduction for an outsider to the debate

As a cis-gendered heterosexual male with a generally centre-right (but socially liberal) political persuasion, safe to say I am probably not the books predominant demographic.

I became interested to seek an answer to why two progressive ideas (namely some strands of feminism and trans activism) seem to be attacking each other so viciously when those on the right would expect them to be natural bedfellows. This book provided a great introduction to the debate to me, although still left me questioning why it has generated such vitriol (not a question the book sets out to answer).

I found Stock's argument for a real basis of biological sex persuasive, particularly the use of the 'cluster model of sex' which has good parallels in the way which biologists (my field) think about species. I once argued the idea of a species was a made up construct to a university tutor, because of edge cases like ring species which don't fit the mould. But he argued back persuasively that species were real with the concept of cluster models. I also find Stock's argument persuasive about cases where 'sex' as a concept as opposed to gender identity continues to be important, particularly in the case of sport, and safe spaces for women.

One criticism I have is the assertion that most cis-gendered people don't have a strong gender identity. I would argue from person experience that I do. I am male, I feel male, masculinity feels part of my identity. Shaving, driving, shooting, working out. All these things make me feel a sense of maleness, But I'm not trans, my identity matches my sex. So I would assert I do feel a gender identify even though I am cis-gendered.

On reflection, I think the debate forms part of a wider tendency on the left to shut down debate by labelling opponents in such a way that what ever they say is delegitimised. You criticise Israeli government policy? You must be anti-Semitic. You support Brexit? You must harbour racist views. You critique gender identify theory, you must be a TERF. I commend this book for refusing to to be cancelled.

11 people found this helpful

really interesting

Very informative. Helped untangle a lot of the confusion I had around this subject. Its an important subject we need to talk about more, but I'm usually too afraid to ask people what they think about in case I unintentionally offend them/someone. I am probably still too afraid to go around asking strangers about this but I can at least feel more aware of many of the important arguments when talking to those I know well enough to assume they trust I'm trying to learn and understand. And hopefully my risk of causing upset during such a conversation will be lessened having heard this book.

8 people found this helpful

Essential reading

Thorough, well-researched and well reasoned. Absolutely demolished modern genderist / transgenderist theory and rhetoric in a way which, if you actually read it, there is no coming back from. The only possible excuse for continued belief in that cultish set of ideas is an ignorance of the existence of this book.

6 people found this helpful

An excellent book

A really enjoyable read, very accessable for everyone, clearly, precisely and cogently argued. Great to read a book by someone who is clearly taking a strong stance on the importance of biological sex but who clearly values knowledge kindness and corurtesyrdt f - both in terms of the solutions she proposes and in terms of the tone of her writing. One of the best books to read if you want you understand the way the dramatic shifts in our understanding of what gender is have come about/ been contrived. I was glad to listen to something by someone clearly trying to make a productive contribution and present evidence and arguments rather than just to keep making assertions.

5 people found this helpful

A clear insight into the debate over ‘gender identity’ versus ‘biological sex’

I bought this book after hearing about the awful way the author was treated at her place of work - the University of Sussex where she was a Philosophy Professor and had worked for 18 years. She received such hatred and abusive vitriol for writing a book that dared question whether sex (biology) is or should be more important than gender (feelings/social construct) that she ended up leaving her job. When she was interviewed on Radio 4 and I heard of her plight, I was completely unaware of the huge division caused by the trans activism in the UK and beyond. Keen to educate myself on the issues around me, I read this book, I listened to Nolan Investigates, a BBC investigative podcast highlighting the reach and impact of the lobby group, Stonewall, searched news articles, interviews and asked people around me their thoughts. Now, I posses a much better understanding of the issues and why they cause so much controversy. Whether you draw any conclusion from this book, or whether it supports your current held beliefs, I genuinely think it’s worth everyone reading because it’s written objectively - presenting the extremely well researched facts with an analytical eye that seems to do service to the argument on both sides of the debate.

This subject matter is one that seems to draw out the very worst in people; a ‘if you’re not with me, you’re against me’ attitude. Debate seems to have been replaced with subjective, hate filled missiles being lobbed. The real world implications of this movement on particular groups which raises genuine concerns of safety and safeguarding seems to have been entirely overlooked by people in power who should know better or at least seek to fully understand the concerns and consequences of their actions. This awful war of the sides was evident in the way the author was treated by the students and teachers following its publication. I appreciate the impact it has had on her life & career. I want to say thank you for being brave enough (in a world where simply questioning the ideology causes such hatred to be directed at you) to write such a well researched, well articulated book that helps to inform the debate and separate facts from fiction.

3 people found this helpful

REALITY!!!

I am absolutely disgusted that Kathleen Stock has been bullied and vilified because of her beliefs. Her findings and beliefs are based in reality. I highly recommend this book/audible.

3 people found this helpful

Timely

Got this title off the back of an Unherd interview and a genuine interest to learn more.

The book is well structured, sensitive and logically sound until the latter stages.

There seemed to be elements of either dissonance or inconsistency when discussing feminism towards and intersectionality.

Soundbites of this title would be easy to misconstrue for shock and disgust value. The final phases of the piece concerning the demand in publishing circles left me questioning the motives of the author.

Well worth a listen regardless, you don't need to agree with someone wholly or partially to entertain their position. Great to see someone actually highlighting links with autism, people deserve help, love and support, not propaganda.

1 person found this helpful

Food for thought.

A thoughtful treatise on a contentious and difficut subject. Well worth a read if interested.

1 person found this helpful

Clear thinking, evidence-based and compassionate

Kathleen Stock does a great job of reviewing, diagnosing and suggesting ways forward in the heated debate around gender identity. I found it extremely helpful and thought-provoking. I'd be very interested to read the response of proponents of gender identity theory to her arguments.