• Why Gender Matters

  • What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences
  • By: Leonard Sax MD PhD
  • Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright
  • Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (573 ratings)

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Why Gender Matters

By: Leonard Sax MD PhD
Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright
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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.

©2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2017 Leonard Sax

What listeners say about Why Gender Matters

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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