Gender Flashpoints: The Power of Dialogue

This book makes two distinct contributions. First, it offers a sociological analysis of how a wide range of activists and scholars—from across the political spectrum and from diverse scientific disciplines—have differently conceptualized sex and gender. It examines the roots of major disagreements, or what the author calls “flashpoints.” It also identifies areas of common ground or potential compromise. These are empirical claims based on original interviews and on the secondary literature. In evaluating various positions, the author attempts to allow readers to arrive at their own conclusions based on the evidence presented and on their own values. Second, this book makes a case for the importance of dialogue and invites readers to join a conversation that they may not have realized concerns them or for which they felt they lacked the analytical tools to participate. It does not tell readers how they should think or talk about sex or gender. Instead, it lays out the debates and offers analytical tools so that readers can better think through and discuss—including with others who see things differently—these fraught and crucial issues.