163 reviews for:

Seeing Gender

Iris Gottlieb

4.25 AVERAGE


This book is absolutely beautiful, something I would so want in my home. It's full of information, and while I would probably have rearranged the topics in this book, and I feel it assumes the reader agrees with the author (I do, fully), I think it's a pretty good introduction to some issues surrounding gender. An absolutely beautiful primer to gender and gender issues.
emotional informative reflective medium-paced
informative reflective fast-paced

This book was all I expected it to be and more. At first I was wary about the author stating that she did not have a degree in gender studies, but this concern was decreased a bit when the author said she was a part of the LGBT+ community. This book not only talked about gender identity and sexuality, but also intersectionality, a topic that is frequently disregarded.

Intersectionality studies how different power structures interact to affect the lives of minorities. It highlights how each person is complex and multidimensional, and how those factors can combine to form systemic oppression and erasure. One’s experience in life is never isolated to only one sector of their identity”

Some topics I did not expect to see include
* Feminism and how the movement excludes black women (+ the effects thereof)
* toxic masculinity
* whitewashing
* disproportionate incarceration of black and latino men
* medical bias
* how to use your privilege to stand up for others
* ageism
* mental illness

At the end of the book, the author made a compilation in which she interviewed people and made a concise snapshot of their identity. The author also included pictures and a short about their path to self-acceptance. I will admit to not reading it since I was not in the mood for a biography. I’m sure readers that have a similar struggle will find hope from it. I believe that there is something in this book for everyone.
challenging emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

A fairly comprehensive look at factors that inform and revolve around gender both externally and internally, with an added personal account for further reference. A good resource to share with those needing introducing to the intricacies of gender identity.

I did have an issue with the definition of asexuality, but it wasn't harped on and did have enough "but also others have different experiences and believe them when they say they are a thing" tacked on for me not to feel uncomfortable recommending the book.
informative inspiring medium-paced
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
jesikasbookshelf's profile picture

jesikasbookshelf's review

4.0
informative slow-paced

This is a great resource for an accessible and bitesize introduction to many, many elements of gender theory, experience and expression. Safe to say, this is not a light subject and the author deals with it in a very calm and sensitive way which I appreciated.

The book would be an excellent resource for students - it's almost part text book but in a way that is readable and makes a complex topic very manageable.

The information is very US-centric,and there is inclusion of suspect individuals on occasion - granted, Iris makes very clear we should criticise gender non conformist where appropriate but it did feel like other could have been picked.

Overall this was a nice mix of information, history, social commentary and personal experience, making it a great nonfiction option for those wanting to explore and deepen their understanding of gender as structured in the modern, western world.