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Material Girls

Why Reality Matters for Feminism

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Material Girls

By: Kathleen Stock
Narrated by: Kathleen Stock
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About this listen

Material Girls is a timely and trenchant critique of the influential theory that we all have an inner feeling known as a gender identity, and that this feeling is more socially significant than our biological sex.

Professor Kathleen Stock surveys the philosophical ideas that led to this point, and closely interrogates each one, from De Beauvoir's statement that, 'One is not born, but rather becomes a woman' (an assertion she contends has been misinterpreted and repurposed), to Judith Butler's claim that language creates biological reality, rather than describing it. She looks at biological sex in a range of important contexts, including women-only spaces and resources, healthcare, epidemiology, political organisation and data collection.

Material Girls makes a clear, humane and feminist case for our retaining the ability to discuss reality, and concludes with a positive vision for the future, in which trans rights activists and feminists can collaborate to achieve some of their political aims.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Kathleen Stock (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK Gender Studies Social Sciences Thought-Provoking Mental Health Inspiring

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Critic reviews

"A clear, concise, easy-to-read account of the issues between sex, gender and feminism...an important book." (Evening Standard)

"A call for cool heads at a time of great heat and a vital reminder that revolutions don't always end well." (Sunday Times)
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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.

An excellent book

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This is a rigorous and lucid examination of Trans Ideology. Stock forensically and carefully examines the evolution of the concept of ‘Gender Identity’ and associated ideas and demolishes what passes for academic work in this field, such as the belief that sex is socially constructed. This is as thorough and detailed a philosophical examination as you would expect from a philosopher, and shames the rest of the academic world in its acceptance of the half-baked theories which make up Trans ideology. But Stock is no transphobe. She is a vigorous defender of the human rights of trans people and argues compassionately for a real understanding of what underlies the desire to ‘change sex’ in and how society should respond in a humane and understanding way. She observes that trans ideology has morphed into a campaign to obliterate sex differences to the detriment of society and particularly to women and girls. Girls are now the majority of people identifying with another sex (or none) and social contagion mixed up with other issues, such as autism, anxiety about puberty, objectification of women, depression, and self-harming is being treated as simply a case of gender identity leading to puberty blockers and irreversible surgery. Some detransitioners now profoundly regret what they have done to their bodies. For producing this outstanding academic work, Stock has been vilified. If you want an example of how to write a readable yet highly academic work, this is perfect.

Profound analysis of Trans Ideology and its consequences.

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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.

Clear thinking, evidence-based and compassionate

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A book that all women with the slightest concern for their womanhood should read. It’s heavy going in some parts but so well read.
Finished it feeling like the world is going made and women are being slowly erased!

Amazing and mind blowing

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Brilliantly written and read by Kathleen. This should be in every school and library.

A read for everyone

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This book is an excellent primer on the philosophical and practical applications of gender critical thought.

Kathleen Stock is articulate, informed and kindm excellent book.

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Like many men of my generation who grew up in the 80s actively supporting feminism and gay rights, Trans-Rights seems like a natural extension and something that no decent, compassionate human being could possibly object to. But once stories of attacks on feminists, the cancellation and de-platforming of female academics like Kathleen Stock, and online campaigns against authors such as JK Rowling started making the news, it showed that something was clearly wrong.

This book is an excellent analysis of the bewildering and often nonsensical demands of trans rights activists and the shutting down of any group or individual that urges caution or even just better research. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to understand the debate better.

An excellent analysis

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Even you think you disagree with this work, you should I read it. It’s a comprehensive and easily understood view of the issue from every angle.

A brilliant and important book

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A very measured, thought provoking article that should be read by anyone interested in this heated debate, on either side.

Well considered thoughtful narrative

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Stock intelligently discusses why material reality matters to women and politics generally. If you want to understand more about why there is an argument between feminists and gender ideologists then this is the book to listen to.

A fiercely humane and rational appraisal of the gender wars

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