In the realm of political subjects, those who lean conservative and have spent time in the atmosphere of politics will most likely be fairly well versed in the mechanisms of governing, economics, the importance of traditional values, and constitutional rights. However, unknowing individuals can find themselves caught off-guard when faced with modern gender theory, especially pertaining to transgender theory.
Gaining popularity in the late 21st century, trans theory has been put under the public eye as of recently as a result of radical schooling curricula being put in place as well as various incidents wherein transgender individuals have attempted to intermingle in strictly segregated gender affairs, such as entering a locker room or joining a sports league that caters to the opposite gender of their birth sex. The various intricacies and nuances behind these theories can often trip up those not knowledgeable on the subject. Suddenly, it isn’t enough to argue, “a trans woman is still a man,” or, “there are only two genders” anymore; this kind of rhetoric will be met with a barrage of backhanded insults and references to various, irrefutable studies that demonstrate your bigoted ignorance.
While you may be correct, it takes more than just regurgitated statements to win the battle in this age, and it takes even more to do so in a manner that doesn’t seem hostile or agenda-driven. This is something that Debra Soh, a sexologist, neuroscientist, and former researcher in academia, specializes in, and she gives her readers plenty of insight in The End of Gender.
Best talking points:
- Association of gender and sex with biology
- Effects of gender-neutral parenting and puberty blockers
- Importance of specific gender roles within society
- Effects of political sway in academia
Woke meter: 3/10
While Dr. Soh does hold more liberal views in relation to the LGBTQ community and often voices her support for those of all orientations, she does not allow such support to influence her understanding of fundamental biology and human anatomy. She intricately dissects each common “myth” found in transgender biology and disproves them with tactful logic and various reputable studies. Moreover, she often voices her critical opinion of the political sway found in modern academic studies and recalls her numerous negative experiences during her time in academia.
Dr. Soh may not agree with the common conservative on all issues, but her nuanced understanding of gender ideology separates her from the crowd, as her specific expertise and background give her greater credibility on the matter. Not only can she list off study after study, but she can explain why the results of the studies back her point and what biological and sociological factors influenced the results. To put it plainly, she knows her stuff.
I greatly recommend this book for anyone interested in diving into modern gender theory, minus the rampant wokeness. As these theories begin to creep more so into our education system and influence who the left appoints and votes for (such as the supreme court nominee and non-biologist Kentaji Brown Jackson), it’s integral that we learn about this ideology beyond a surface level understanding so that we may be able to properly counter further advancements. The End of Gender is the perfect place to start.
Next up, I’ll be letting off the reins a bit with my reading – I’ll be slowly working my way through one of George Orwell’s classics, Animal Farm for a good portion of the semester. I have a lot of projects I’m working on both for school and The Modern Counterculture so sadly the book reviews will have to go on the backburner for a bit. I’ll be sure to review Animal Farm and dive into another book though once I have more leeway!
