Gender Shock [Paperback]

Phyllis Burke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 14, 1997

At a time when men are staying home to parent and women are leaving to practice law and politics, America is confused and anxious about what differences truly exist between the sexes. In a world of changing roles for both sexes, how are "masculine" and "feminine" defined? If women and men are created equal, how then do gender differences emerge?

Combining investigative journalism with a survey of current scientific research, Phyllis Burke pushes our society's hottest button, gender anxiety. Contrary to gender gurus such as John Gray, who have depended upon exploiting the differences between men and women, Burke debunks the myth that men and women are from different planets. She casts a disbelieving eye on the shockingly popular diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder, in which children as young as three years old undergo therapy for not adhering to accepted notions of "girl" and "boy" behavior, and she encourages a shift towards a "gender independent" culture, in which individuals adopt the best traits of both sexes.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Burke, who adheres to the school of thought that gender is a social construct rather than a natural characteristic, argues that Gender Identity Disorder (GID) should be abolished as a diagnostic category. Very young children and preadolescents whose behavior is deemed gender-inappropriate?"tomboyish" girls, "effeminate" boys?are forced by their parents, school psychologists and psychiatrists to undergo therapy for GID. Treatment can include behaviorism, drugs, psychoanalysis, close monitoring of voice, posture, gait and activities, even hospitalization. Burke presents numerous case histories to illustrate the damaging emotional effects such therapy can have on children who are straitjacketed by rigid gender stereotypes. In support of her thesis that masculine and feminine identities are artificial social constructs, Burke marshals studies of perceived physical attractiveness, then takes us inside workshops for male and female cross-dressers. She not only maintains that gender, sex and sexuality are three distinct domains but also asserts that "gender independent" individuals, people free from society's sexist stereotyping, are more flexible, and more accepting of their masculine and feminine components.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

As lesbian coparent to her partner's son, Burke (Family Values: Two Moms and Their Son, LJ 4/15/93) found herself challenged when asked, "Who will teach him to be a man?" In turn, the author challenges us to explore the connection between gender behavior and sexuality. Burke believes that sex?male, female?is biological, while gender role is behavioral, or learned. She was herself shocked to discover that confusion of the two leads to such practices as gender identify disorders (GID) therapy, in which children as young as three are treated for not acting like a "typical" boy or girl. Much of this book comprises research and documented case histories of GID through the examination of three principal areas: behavior, appearance, and science. Burke feels we all need to acknowledge the feminine and masculine within ourselves to attain gender independence. A thought-provoking work that questions basic assumptions; recommended for academic and public libraries.?Kathleen L. Atwood, Pomfret Sch. Lib., Conn.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (July 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038547718X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385477185
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,840,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed our lives, June 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Gender Shock (Paperback)

This book helped us to celebrate our "gender independent" son (a term that Phyllis Burke coins, that I love). Before we read this book, we supported our son's differentness, but we never celebrated it. This book helped our family to truly appreciate what a gift we have in our child.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Insight, March 26, 2001

By 

Brenna Primrose (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gender Shock (Paperback)

This book was an excellent read. Not only did Phyllis Burke entertain, but she also informed me of something I had previously been unaware of: "Gender Identity Disorder"

The book gives great detail of the stereotypes and myths surrounding gender in the US and other countries. It offers a view on several case studies and individuals diagnosed as having GID.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, Eye-Opening Book, May 5, 2000

By 

"brettsea" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gender Shock (Paperback)

This is a fabulous book that describes the painful and disturbing things that are done to people, especially children, to try to fit them within the social stereotypes of male and female. It is very powerful, and (re)challenged me to value to person way above the box.