The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths about Sex and Identity in Our Society Paperback – August 31, 2021
by Debra Soh (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,525 ratings
3.9 on Goodreads
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International sex researcher, neuroscientist, and columnist Debra Soh debunks popular gender myths in this scientific examination of the many facets of gender identity that “is not onlyeminently reasonable and beautifully-written, it is brave and vital” (Ben Shapiro, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
Is our gender something we’re born with, or are we conditioned by society? In The End of Gender, neuroscientist and sexologist Dr. Debra Soh uses a research-based approach to address this hot-button topic, unmasking popular misconceptions about the nature vs. nurture debate and exploring what it means to be a woman or a man in today’s society.
Both scientific and objective, and drawing on original research and carefully conducted interviews, Soh tackles a wide range of issues, such as gender-neutral parenting, gender dysphoric children, and the neuroscience of being transgender. She debates today’s accepted notion that gender is a social construct and a spectrum, and challenges the idea that there is no difference between how male and female brains operate.
The End of Gender is conversation-starting “required reading” (Eric R. Weinstein, PhD, host of The Portal) that will arm you with the facts you need to come to your own conclusions about gender identity and its place in the world today.
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Print length
336 pages
Editorial Reviews
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“[Soh’s] new book, The End of Gender, lays out with exceptional care not just why we have got into the current impasse, but how we might get out of it.”
— Douglas Murray, The London Times
“By far the best I’ve read on this topic.”
—Michael Shermer, PhD, Presidential Fellow at Chapman University and New York Times bestselling author of Giving the Devil His Due
“Very, very good. Quite feminist, very liberal, highly compassionate, thoroughly evidence-based, utterly reasonable.”
—Helen Pluckrose, editor in chief of Areo Magazine and author of Cynical Theories
“An easy-to-read introduction to the various current debates over sex, gender, and transgender. Soh also covers adjacent topics, such [as] autogynephilia and research on the origins of sexual orientation.”
—Ray Blanchard, PhD, Full Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and researcher in sexual orientation, paraphilias, and gender dysphoria
“[A] beautifully calm, rational and precision-guided dissection…her exposé will fall like rain on parched earth.”
—Barbara Kay, The Post Millennial
"Sex and gender are always gripping topics, and The End of Gender does not disappoint. Debra Soh has given us a lucid explanation of the latest science and politics of men and women. And she fearlessly pushes back against the notion that the only way to advance equality is to scramble biology, language, and common sense, and to intimidate anyone who doesn’t go along."
—Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and the author of The Blank Slate and Enlightenment Now
"Dr. Debra Soh's book is not only eminently reasonable and beautifully-written, it is brave and vital. Rooted in data but accessible to the common person, this is the rare book that can only be labeled 'must-read.'"
—Ben Shapiro, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Wire, and Host of "The Ben Shapiro Show"
"The longer that academic science suppresses its carefully constructed knowledge about the biology of sex in deference to a rapidly mutating set of political taboos, the less claim it will have to public respect or attention. It is to be hoped that Debra Soh’s The End of Gender inspires more scientists to stand up to the ideological myths around sex and gender in defense of scientific truth."
—Heather Mac Donald, Thomas W. Smith fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of The Diversity Delusion.
"There is no more treacherous topic on the current intellectual landscape than the biological basis of gender. The fearless Dr. Debra Soh is an expert guide navigating the jungle of umbrella categories like "Trans" and "LGBTQx" to let us know how they are informed by our scientific understanding of biology. If you are genuinely interested beyond sloganeering about the eternal braid of gender, sexuality and biology, then this book is required reading."
—Eric R Weinstein, PhD, Managing Director at Thiel Capital and Host of The Portal
"Debra Soh's clearly written book walks the reader through the science and politics of sex and gender research. Her discussion is accessible, balanced and thoughtful and will advance the study of how biological and social factors interact in the development of sex and gender."
—Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University
About the Author
Dr. Debra Soh is a neuroscientist who specializes in gender, sex, and sexual orientation. She received her doctorate from York University in Toronto and worked as an academic researcher for eleven years. Her writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail (Toronto), Harper’s Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, Playboy, Quillette, and many other publications. Her research has been published in academic journals including the Archives of Sexual Behavior and Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. As a journalist, Soh writes about the science and politics of human sexuality and gender, free speech, and censorship in academia. She lives in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter at @DrDebraSoh and visit her at DrDebraSoh.com.
Product details
Publisher : Threshold Editions (August 31, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1982132523
ISBN-13 : 978-1982132521
Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.84 x 8.38 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #18,558 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#12 in LGBTQ+ Demographic Studies
#38 in General Gender Studies
#55 in Censorship & PoliticsCustomer Reviews:
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,525 ratings
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Top reviews from the United States
Jayson
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative for parents and teachersReviewed in the United States on May 14, 2023
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The author presents a research centered view of the growing concern of gender identity in our culture. Backed by research and a clinical eye, she explores the issues surrounding gender identity and the upward trend of people who struggle with gender identity. I found it helpful background information for a school setting.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informativeReviewed in the United States on May 8, 2023
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This book gave me a better understanding of the research used in the current argument of gender ideology. There were portions of the that do not align with my biblical worldview however, I will further research those areas and accept the results.
One person found this helpful
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Jamy Beth Suminski
5.0 out of 5 stars Talented writer and fantastic book!Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023
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I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get some celerity on simple truths. It’s an easy read and you won’t regret investing your time, money, and energy in it. Thanks Dr. Debra Soh for all your work on this book and putting it out there for everyone to benefit from!
One person found this helpful
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Retrorob
5.0 out of 5 stars Clearing The AirReviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023
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If you are concerned, outraged, confused, curious, mystified about the current transgender "movement", or maybe even more importantly, thinking about transitioning, this is the book for you.
Dr. Debra Soh explores the entire topic in a no-nonsense, straight forward presentation, free of narratives, backed by research.
This is NOT a technical read. It is written for a general consumption. I will admit there were parts I had to reread to fully digest what was being presented, but by no means was it hard to understand.
We are being bombarded with information, facts, fabrications, lies, and opinions surrounding this volatile subject. This book is the "breather" we need to sort it all out.
I would strongly urge parents of younger children to digest the information in this book, should you need to deal with the situation should it arise.
26 people found this helpful
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K Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must ReadReviewed in the United States on March 20, 2023
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For those with questions (and who doesn’t) this is a must read. It’s a thoughtful sensitive look at issues many avoid discussing.
6 people found this helpful
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Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved itReviewed in the United States on August 25, 2020
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I got the audiobook, but the hard copy to loan to friends.. I can tell by reading the dishonest 1 star reviews those people really must not know what Ideological possession is 🤣 Some of them even look like they are attempting to sound smart, with their psudo superiority. I'm curious if any of them have ever displayed actual courage and put themselves out there in the public with their science backed conclusions?
On my quest of trying to figure out why I am the way I am, this book shed some light for sure. I suppose being what you call an atypical female, I always wondered why I'm not a lesbian given that my personality traits are predominantly masculine. I have attributed much of who I am to my upbringing, my father was my hero, but didn't consider my evil mother being 16 when I was born a factor. I can imagine how growing up under different circumstances, with different parental dynamics, peer groups, social pressures etc. could have easily led me down the gender identity rabbit hole at impressionable age. I don't know though, I've always had a distaste for lies and ideologies, perhaps under any circumstances I would still have ended up being the cute little girl that loved rough and tumble play and tools. Loved the book though Dr. Soh, soo glad you left the academic echo chamber so you can speak openly about this topic. You really bring a sense of compassion to the conversation. Way more than I have patience for.. Brilliant journalists are hard to come by these days.. I hope it encourages people to speak up more often ❤
Also on a side note, for those who seemed triggered by hearing truth, might want to look inward at WHY instead of embarrassing yourself by blaming external factors. Anyone with any sense can spot a temper tantrum, and being rude to the undeserving is not a good look for any 4 year old, let alone an adult 🤨
49 people found this helpful
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Tim Goldich
5.0 out of 5 stars Fighting for truth!Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020
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Thank you Dr. Soh for your courageous efforts to restore truth (and sanity) in matters of gender. Cutting through indoctrination, this book confirms what most of us intuitively already know. Yes, male and female do form a "binary," and yes, women and men are innately different. For the weak minded, the sexes can only be equal if they are identical. And therefore, the sexes MUST be identical (and contrary evidence MUST be suppressed). But, those who think a little deeper will know that the two ends of a balance beam need not be identical to weigh the same. And therefore, the sexes need NOT be identical to be equal.
This is an important book; buy it before it is banished. Still, I must protest the general trend to gynocentrism---the book always directs its empathy toward the feminine. But it fails to hold the feminine accountable.
With biology banished, "sexism" then becomes the only explanation; and that's how feminists like it. It was feminism that declared "Gender is a social construct." It was feminists who turned that assertion into academic "law," and it is primarily the feminine that remains fearful of innate male-female differences. She won't say it, but the ideological dictatorship that Soh decries has its origins in the feminine.
But, Soh's book is politically incorrect enough as it without taking all that on! Bravo Dr. Soh, your voice is much needed. Best part of the book? For me, it was this bit of penetrating logic: If male and female are just "social constructs" without basis in biology, then what is a trans person transitioning from, and what is a trans person transitioning to? If "gender is fluid," then why is there "gender dysphoria," and how can this feeling of being a male trapped in a female body (or vice versa) be so overwhelming as to motivate the long, arduous, expensive and painful process of physically transitioning?
Answer that biology deniers!
55 people found this helpful
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Bobscrew
5.0 out of 5 stars Timely, courageous and valuable.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 18, 2020
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If like me, you are curious about the difference between gender and sex; or wonder about statements that there are a thousand genders; or whether transitioning is the right thing for children; or where to stand on JK Rowling and the trans debate; then I urge you to read this book. The author, Dr Debra Soh, is a former academic, turned journalist. Therefore it is rigorously referenced, but is very readable. She has the facts of the matter – and can explain them. Morally courageous and admirably bold – if ever there was a book for this moment in time, it is this one. Please read it.
110 people found this helpfulReport
Alicia
5.0 out of 5 stars Rooted in science, this book uncovers the truth about gender. Thoroughly recommend.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2020
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Fantastic book. Very clear, well-researched and fully referenced. Often provided me with the scientific reasons for things that I already instinctively knew to be true. Sometimes forced me to reevaluate my own long-held opinions on gender and parity between the sexes.
Would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in transgender issues, feminism, sexuality or just differences between the sexes.
90 people found this helpfulReport
Shawna The Artist
1.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended for Trans alliesReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2020
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Awful awful awful. Negative 5 stars. I brought this book hoping to educate myself on transgender issues and instead had the displeasure of reading this transphobic hate filled book masquerading as science. So disappointed.
71 people found this helpfulReport
Sean Breslin
5.0 out of 5 stars BrilliantReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 22, 2020
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The radical left has gone too far and this insightful book helps to correct, through science, misguided theories of gender that prevail in society today.
78 people found this helpfulReport
JB
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for young parents and activists before they ruin lives of othersReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2020
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Learned a lot of new to me about the biology of sexes and the edge cases that nature presents.
67 people found this helpfulReport
