What Even Is Gender?

The book "What Even Is Gender?" challenges the idea that there is one thing called gender that both sides are arguing about, and proposes a pluralistic concept of gender that distinguishes among our experiences of diverse facets of gendered life. It offers a flexible approach to gender categories that reflects the value of self-determination and suggests that we need an awareness of individual variation and a willingness to adjust to changing contexts and circumstances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Debates about gender are pervasive in our society, often revolving around questions of inner identity, biological fact, or oppressive system. Should we respect it or resist it? What Even Is Gender? takes a novel approach to these debates, arguing that they stem from a common misconception: the idea that there is a singular entity called gender that both sides are contending about. The authors clarify that the term "gender" encompasses a wide range of phenomena that are often lumped together in established vocabulary. This distinction sheds light on the equivocations and false dichotomies prevalent in gender discussions, hindering our ability to articulate our needs, experiences, and concerns to others or even to ourselves.

To address these limitations, the authors develop a conceptual toolkit aimed at mitigating the harm caused by the limitations of traditional approaches. They propose a pluralistic concept of gender that recognizes the diverse experiences of different aspects of gendered life. They introduce a flexible approach to gender categories that values self-determination. Additionally, they suggest that what we require is not a universal language of gender but an awareness of individual variation and a willingness to adapt to changing contexts and circumstances.

What Even Is Gender? is a bold and thought-provoking approach to thinking about gender, appealing to scholars in philosophy, gender studies, sociology, and LGBTQIA+ studies. It challenges our preconceived notions and offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of gender identity and expression. By expanding our understanding of gender, we can cultivate greater empathy, inclusivity, and understanding in our society.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367513177