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Kathleen Stock

Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism Paperback – 7 April 2022

by Kathleen Stock (Author)

1,321 ratings

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'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

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 organization 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.

ISBN-10

0349726620
ISBN-13

978-0349726625
Publisher

Fleet
Publication date

7 April 2022
Language

English
Dimensions

12.7 x 2.1 x 19.69 cm
Print length

320 pages
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Product description

Review

[Material Girls] pack[s] a punch . . . A call for cool heads at a time of great heat and a vital reminder that revolutions don't always end well -- Christina Patterson ― Sunday Times

Reading the book I felt an intense sense of relief that finally a comprehensive account of gender identity theory was presented and explored with both clarity and depth . . . a clear, concise, easy-to-read account of the issues between sex, gender and feminism . . . an important book, and it is the middle ground who need to read it as it shows how, if we are to live in a world where gender identity trumps biological sex, then it will be women - the physically weaker sex - who lose out -- Stella O’Malley ― Evening Standard

In her commitment to free speech, good-faith debate, clear and careful argument and upholding reason over dogma, Stock writes faithfully in the tradition of the Enlightenment -- Mary Carington ― UnHerd

A fearless, rigorous study of gender identity . . . [Material Girls is] a brave, enlightening, closely argued book -- Jane O’Grady ― Daily Telegraph

A clear-sighted analysis in tricky territory ― Evening Standard

Anyone who has felt confounded by the shifting debate about sex and gender will find some clarity here. More importantly, you will find a curious mind and a generous spirit -- Sarah Ditum ― Mail on Sunday

Book Description

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

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Fleet (7 April 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0349726620
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0349726625
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.7 x 2.1 x 19.69 cm

Best Sellers Rank: 6,831 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 60 in Feminist Criticism

Customer reviews:
1,321 ratings

Julie Bindel
182
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Shon Faye
424
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23 offers from £7.77
Debra Soh
1,207
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7 offers from £12.23
Julie Bindel
182
Hardcover
29 offers from £7.01
Helen Pluckrose
4,004
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19 offers from £7.32
Julia Serano
387
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25 offers from £10.55

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5 star		82%
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3 star		2%
2 star		1%
1 star		3%

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Lou

Fantastic: A reminder that not everyone has fallen down the rabbit hole

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 May 2021

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How anyone could seriously argue that this book is poorly researched is beyond me. It is clear, concise, and intellectually rigorous. We live in dangerous times, when demands are made that everyone accommodates other people's 'faith' around their own identity. Living your life and expressing yourself however you want free from prejudice is one thing; shutting down debate on how this can potentially harm others is another.

700 people found this helpful

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Williams

Clear, rigorous and powerful analysis

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2021

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This is a brilliantly written, easy to read summary of where we are on the battles over sex and gender - arguably one of the most important (and certainly one of the most bitter) debates of our time.

Contrary to what some might claim, it's clear that Prof Stock isn't prejudiced or phobic of anyone. She works hard to present both sides of the argument and present the evidence and analysis in calm rational terms. If only everyone in this debate did the same.

A must read whichever side of the debate you're on - and even more so if you've never thought it.

490 people found this helpful

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Liz

Everything you wanted to know about the gender identity debate but were afraid to ask…

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2021

Verified Purchase

This is the book to read if you want an introduction (or to learn more) to the current debate regarding sex and gender and its effects on wider society.

What surprised me was how readable it is. Some of these kinds of books are prone to lose their audiences with inaccessible language and waffling on but this is certainly not the case here. Clear, precise and to the point.

Terms used that may be unfamiliar to many readers are explained with clarity and neutrally which is something long overdue in this debate – definition of terms. It is also wide ranging and covers a surprising amount of ground in what is a relatively short book.

I thought I was well versed in the issue but seeing it all laid out so logically is great. Particularly the bit explaining the four possible meanings of the word ‘gender’ and how they are used.
There is much confused and muddied thinking from so called experts on this issue so this is a refreshing change. Without defining gender (and gender identity) and how different people understand it how can we progress?

I don’t agree with everything the author says, but that is the point. Respectful discussion of the facts and respect for each other are the only way we can all move on.
You may disagree with everything Stock says but I think everyone who reads it (you know actually reads it, not just decides its awful cos their mate says it is) will learn something from reading this book even if it just clarifies their own view on why they may disagree/agree with the issues discussed. Which can only be a good thing.

419 people found this helpful

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book maven

Absolutely excellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 May 2021

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Calm, clear-eyed and reasonable. Really useful explanation of a very complex and sensitive subject. Highly recommended.

370 people found this helpful

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Maggie M

Timely and evidence based page turner

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2021

Verified Purchase

What a clear-sighted and well researched book. It was much needed with all the fake news flying around. It is well written too. I didn't expect it to be a page turner, but I devoured it in a day.

Thank you Professor Stock, and your publisher and everyone involved. It is shocking that people have to be brave to publish a fact-based and moderate book, but you do, and you are.

A must read.

314 people found this helpful

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SimmyMc

A must read for all concerned with women's rights and safety, child safeguarding and LGB erasure

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2021

Verified Purchase

A well balanced, well written, well researched book. Essential reading for a really good understanding of how gender ideology is impacting the rights and safety of women.
Makes the case for why respectful debate in this highly charged subject is needed at a time when any dissenting voices are being shut down.
Professor Stock should be applauded for covering this complex issue in an accessible easy to read language.

293 people found this helpful

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G. Owen

Essential reading

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2021

Verified Purchase

Well written, clear analysis of the need for feminism to have a basis in women’s material reality.

205 people found this helpful

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S. Watson

A must-read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2021

Verified Purchase

An engaging and concise summary of issues surrounding gender identity and feminism. An important book that should be compulsory reading for anyone with even the tiniest interest in the subject.

199 people found this helpful

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