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Why Gender Matters
- What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences
- Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright
- Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
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Why Gender Matters
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Publisher's Summary
A revised and updated edition (with more than 70% new material) of the classic book about innate differences between boys and girls and how best to parent and teach girls and boys successfully, with new chapters on sexual orientation and on transgender and intersex kids.
Back in 2005, the first edition of Why Gender Matters broke ground in illuminating the differences between boys and girls—how they perceive the world differently, how they learn differently, how they process emotions and take risks differently. Dr. Sax argued that in failing to recognize these hardwired differences between boys and girls, we ended up reinforcing damaging stereotypes, medicalizing misbehavior, and failing to help kids to reach their full potential. In the intervening decade, the world has changed, with an avalanche of new research which supports, deepens, and expands Dr. Sax's work. This revised and updated edition includes new findings about how boys and girls interact differently with social media and video games; a new discussion of research on gender non-conforming, LGB, and transgender kids, new findings about how girls and boys see differently, hear differently, and even smell differently; and new material about the medicalization of misbehavior.
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What listeners say about Why Gender Matters
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Sam
- 2022-08-10
Not current or accurate
I was shocked to learn that this book was written in 2017. It reads like something from the 1950’s, utilizing very old studies to make arguments that have been refuted by more recent research. Sax also frequently backs up his assertions with studies whose conclusions can’t be extended to the claims he’s making because the study was investigating something else entirely.
I was also shocked and appalled that he would assert that gender is biologically based, then turn around and claim that transgendered people are actually gay people who are confused by a culture that tells kids they must be either macho men or Barbie girls.
What about the various studies (including MRI studies that were published prior to 2017) that showed that gender dysphoria is biologically based? What about the reality that, logically, nobody would choose to be a member of a group that is hated, discriminated against, and to which being a member presents the very real threat of being murdered for the singular crime of existing? He completely ignored all of these issues and quite frankly failed to provided any evidence to back up his claims.
Sax presents himself as an authority figure, but really just uses his book as a medium to spread his prejudice to the parents and teachers who are trying to help kids.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2019-01-09
great read
loved it! I'm an ABA SW in an elementary school in Canada and it was enlightening to better understand the differences and why
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2018-09-15
Eye opening to the research on gender differences
If you are looking for up to date research on gender differences with an emphasis on how it relates to the classroom then I would highly recommend this book.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2018-08-21
One of the most informative books
This book is one of the most informative books I’ve ever gotten through. It manages to get straight to the point while not being jarring. The combination of real life stories and raw information is really well handled. This book offers a great complete package for understanding gender and sexuality and in my opinion is a must read (or listen).
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2023-06-13
Informative, Respectful, Impactful
Without making anybody the bad guy, Sax succeeds in shining light on where bad ideas about gender come from and how we can keep them from damaging boys and girls.
the author explores his own findings along with the results of multiple gender studies and what they mean for children, teens and later adults, including the issues of gender roles, transgenderism, and simple differences in the ways boys and girls perceive and interact in the world.
this is an important book to read for anyone confused by political correctness in gender studies and by anyone offended by the mere notion of differences inherent in the series.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Jordan J. Smail
- 2022-06-23
Masterfully Misrepresents Arguments and Data
Leonard Sax skillfully misrepresents information, makes solid arguments based on false premises, uses the exception to the rules as antidotes, pathologies gender incongruently all while condescending.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Davon Smith
- 2021-07-02
Terrible Read
Based on stereotypes of the sexes. It loosely talks about situations that boys and girls get themselves in and how to prevent them. The parents in the scenario are completely oblivious and seem to take little interest in the trouble kid. Don't waste your time unless you want to reinforce your idea the the sexes are different and that all stereotypes between boys and girls are true
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sportys
- 2019-12-13
A must read in today’s confused society
I’ve watched a good friend transition from male to female and seen the pros and cons. I’ve listened to the children around me voice confusion on the differences between boys and girls. I’ve read the comments on social media about trans activism and the impact on our children with increasing dismay. This book walked me through the research and evidence and helped me understand what’s going on and how to deal with it. And also that we must use the very clear science to stop so many incorrect beliefs, like gender is a social construct, from destroying our society. Well structured, well written and well read. Thank you.
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- stacy lindsey
- 2017-10-04
Great and unexpected
I was really surprised by some of the things explained in this book. Some parts were joyously enlightening, while other parts made me uncomfortable because they challenged what I though I knew. I would highly recommend this book to any human, not just parents and teachers.
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2019-03-11
Not for former victims of bullies
This book makes many good points until it gets to the chapter about nerdy boys. Apparently, the solution to stop quiet intelligent boys from being bullied isn’t doing something about the bullies’ behavior, but rather to force the nerdy boy to play sports and join the bullies.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- GNano
- 2020-11-26
Amazing
It baffles me how often we ask questions but don’t pursue the line of evidence if it doesn’t lead us to our preconceived notions or assumptions. This book has challenged me and changed much of what I thought was true. Bravo Dr. Sax.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tanya A.
- 2022-04-25
Politically neutral stance that focuses on science
Dr. Sax takes a careful look at the science surrounding gender. Rather than simply following one political viewpoint or another, he focuses on what studies reveal about gender in children. As we learn more about how boys and girls differ, parents and teachers can do a better job providing children with the instruction that works best for them. Dr. Sax clearly acknowledges what is working and not working in society, especially regarding discussions on gender, then provides clear advice for what needs to change and what trends should stay the course.
If you work closely with children in any way, this book will give you insight on ways you can change to help them learn. The studies are fascinating and the examples help illustrate what the science means. While I don’t agree with everything in this book (and Dr. Sax clearly distinguishes his opinions from the science), I did find the science fascinating and appreciate the suggestions Dr. Sax makes. And in the areas where I disagreed, the information from this book provided a place to begin forming my own opinions for strategies.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Pheonix
- 2022-04-13
Thoughtful
Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax MD PhD is an excellent source of evidence, data, and advice on boys and girls, aka men and women's differences, which is rewarding and exciting. Knowledgeable points on statistics. The author also shares his experiences and perspectives on gender matters, including discussions about delicate private situations concerning young people.
This book would be beneficial to read not only for parents and teachers but all other professionals that work with children, including GP, social workers, etc.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Sunshine Reader
- 2021-04-30
Science Not Ideology
Prescient discussion on gender, a worthy listen for those of us perplexed by gender differences and the politicization of gender.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Anderson♡♡♡
- 2021-03-18
A Grounded Argument of Sex Differences
Excellent book, the performance was great and the author masterfully wove together anecdotes with data to create an interesting and informative story. I will definitely be recommending this book!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Jamaal Long
- 2018-11-04
More empirical evidence
The author relied, I believe, too heavily on anecdotes. Examples should include specific research cases.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2018-12-01
Confusion
The author mixes scientific studies with his own experience. Be wary and do not draw conclusions hastly. The truth value of his conclusions is not the same as those studies. Interesting book, but way too hard to be examinated seriously through an audio book.
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