Is This An Overview?
Gender and sex are not the same,
although many say gender when they mean sex.
Biological sex is determined by gametes, not chromosomes or
genitals. Gametes are mature reproductive
cells, and there are only two types of gametes.
Sperm produced by males, and eggs produced by females. Making sex binary. Intersex individuals are born with male and
female sexual anatomy. But intersex
people produce only a single type of gamete.
Gender identity is
the relation between how the individual perceives themselves and their
sex. Whether the individual feels
masculine or feminine. Gender expression
is how gender identity is externally expressed.
Hormonal exposure in the womb influences gender identity. Making gender a biological product. Along with sexual attraction. Socialization influences what gender aspects
can be expressed or suppressed, but not the individual’s preferences for
masculine or feminine traits.
The terms, what
they mean, and their implications has received a lot of attraction, often not
the wanted kind. Opposing views that
perceive the science and social values differently. Sparking conflict, and confusion. Confusion fueled by the spread of
misinformation that has negative consequences on the vulnerable people who are
seeking help. What is needed is to treat
everyone with respect, no matter their biological aspects, sexual proclivities,
or gender identity.
How Does Politics Effect Biology?
Biology has been subsumed into politics and social media. Used as a tool of power rather than
informational discovery. Seeking justice
is not enough, for those who power is against are punished. People have lost their jobs, along with mental
and physical safety. Science is being
suppressed even in academia. Scientists
are willing to lie for political favor.
Everyone else is hurt by not knowing the value of information.
There are even consequences of seeking information. No matter why or what the individual thinks
about the ideas, they are punished.
Seeking information about biology has become a threat to those in power.
Historically, there were many links between biology and sex
that were incorrect, such as making the claim that women are less
intellectually competent. But, even with
more refined biological understanding and how biology effects the human being,
biology is still stigmatized.
Science is meant to consider different opposing sides,
rather than just one. As a sex
researcher, the author wanted to combat sexual stigma and shame.
Are There Sex Differences?
There are sex differences in the brain. Differences that lead to people having
different interests and behaviors.
Biology, rather than socialization.
As different sexes have different interests, they gravitate to different
occupations. The gender hiring gap can
be created through biology influencing interests rather than
discrimination.
Equality between the sexes does not require each to be
treated the same. Women can make their
own decisions.
Should Someone Change Gender’s Or Transition Their Sex?
People can identify, or misidentify, their gender for social
benefits such as to get dates. Gender
identity has become a way of belonging to a community, rather than reflecting
their own ideas. The problem with gender
is not that its binary, the problem is that people stereotype based on
gender.
People should have the same opportunities, but that does not
mean that physical characteristics of people are the same. Transitioning one’s sex, does not change the
physical biological characteristics.
Males transitioning to female, do not lose their physical advantages,
even with hormonal therapy.
Parents are pressured to have their children transition, for
their children’s safety even though transitioning does not have the expected
results. Children can feel discomfort in
their bodies, but then become comfortable in them as they grow up.
Children are not allowed to make various choices because
they lack the emotional and intellectual skills to make life-altering
decisions. Yet people still try to have
children transition early.
Caveats?
This is a sensitive and polarizing topic. The author shares consequences of expressing
certain views in this book. A theme of
the book is what makes science, and how scientific views in the book are under
attack. The problem is that the way the
author approaches these topics, knowing the sensitivity of the issues, can be
inappropriate. The author reciprocates
the opposition’s high disapproval with high disapproval, which can prevent the
opposition from consider the ideas in the book.
Although there is science in the book, the interpretations of
the findings have varying qualities. A
theme of the book is that biology determines sex and gender, rather than social
values. But the distinction between
biology and social values are not given enough consideration, specifically the
impact of culture on biological inclinations.
The author acknowledges that the brain has neuroplasticity, but sees the
function as very limited. There is other
research indicating that culture can override genetic inclinations.
