Take a photo of a barcode or cover
scotia_mullin 's review for:
Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality
by Helen Joyce
challenging
medium-paced
I think this book is a great example of why having a PhD in one field does not make you an expert in all fields. I found the book to use overly emotive and inflammatory language and verges on being transphobic at times. The vast majority of her arguments are cyclical, cite grey literature, or make claims without valid citations. Dr Joyce seems to cherry pick examples to demonstrate her claims and while these scenarios do happen they are very rare and do not represent the “typical” experience or “typical” events. She also cited articles that have flimsy or questionable ethics and/or methodologies.
Many of her claims and opinions lack nuance and do not consider medicine, sociology, anthropology, or psychology. While I do not agree with her points or arguments some ideas are thought provoking, clearly argued, and employ logical sense making.
The author not only makes problematic and reductionist claims about the trans community but also makes such claims about queer people, other cultures, and speaks for groups she does not directly represent.
I am surprised she also has the gall to cite women like Judith Butler or Margaret Mead who would be less than supportive of her views.
Overall I found this book a disappointing academic engagement and would not recommend it.
Many of her claims and opinions lack nuance and do not consider medicine, sociology, anthropology, or psychology. While I do not agree with her points or arguments some ideas are thought provoking, clearly argued, and employ logical sense making.
The author not only makes problematic and reductionist claims about the trans community but also makes such claims about queer people, other cultures, and speaks for groups she does not directly represent.
I am surprised she also has the gall to cite women like Judith Butler or Margaret Mead who would be less than supportive of her views.
Overall I found this book a disappointing academic engagement and would not recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Minor: Homophobia