Material Girls

Why Reality Matters for Feminism

By: Kathleen Stock

Narrated by: Kathleen Stock

'A clear, concise, easy-to-read account of the issues between sex, gender and feminism . . . an important book' Evening Standard

'A call for cool heads at a time of great heat and a vital reminder that revolutions don't always end well' Sunday Times

Material Girls is a timely and trenchant critique of the influential theory that we all have an inner feeling known as a gender identity, and that this feeling is more socially significant than our biological sex.

Professor Kathleen Stock surveys the philosophical ideas that led to this point, and closely interrogates each one, from De Beauvoir's statement that, 'One is not born, but rather becomes a woman' (an assertion she contends has been misinterpreted and repurposed), to Judith Butler's claim that language creates biological reality, rather than describing it. She looks at biological sex in a range of important contexts, including women-only spaces and resources, healthcare, epidemiology, political organization and data collection.

Material Girls makes a clear, humane and feminist case for our retaining the ability to discuss reality, and concludes with a positive vision for the future, in which trans rights activists and feminists can collaborate to achieve some of their political aims.©2021 Kathleen Stock

Critic reviews

[Material Girls] pack[s] a punch . . . A call for cool heads at a time of great heat and a vital reminder that revolutions don't always end well

Reading the book I felt an intense sense of relief that finally a comprehensive account of gender identity theory was presented and explored with both clarity and depth . . . a clear, concise, easy-to-read account of the issues between sex, gender and feminism . . . an important book, and it is the middle ground who need to read it as it shows how, if we are to live in a world where gender identity trumps biological sex, then it will be women - the physically weaker sex - who lose out

In her commitment to free speech, good-faith debate, clear and careful argument and upholding reason over dogma, Stock writes faithfully in the tradition of the Enlightenment

A fearless, rigorous study of gender identity . . . [Material Girls is] a brave, enlightening, closely argued book

A clear-sighted analysis in tricky territory

Anyone who has felt confounded by the shifting debate about sex and gender will find some clarity here. More importantly, you will find a curious mind and a generous spirit (Sarah Ditum)

Lots of Food for Thought

Author gives a balanced assessment of the state of trans activism in relation to modern feminism and modern LGBTQIA÷ activism. As a radical feminist lesbian some of Stock's points made me challenge my perspective and others felt overly simplified like the notion of third spaces. I agree, wholeheartedly, that third spaces and categories for sport would benefit trans-identified people and women in terms of fairness and increased safety for both groups. However, third spaces do not validate the trans identifying person's identity and thus, trans activists do not want a middle ground but concession and validation from women through our unambiguous admittance of them in our spaces and sports. Still, a lot of extremely good points made throughout. Would recommend, especially, to "normies" who are just learning about the nuances of this debate.

Excellent and Timely

A thorough, intelligent, and compassionate examination unpacking the history and current iteration of the trans rights movement and what it means for other discriminated groups whose needs it intersects. A must read for anyone wanting to understand how this ideology has taken hold of and is affecting society at large.

What's her point?

This book is very broad with enough "statists" to seem coherent ... but much like the many interviews I have watched of the author ...what's her point" who is the audience she is trying to reach. I think there are a lot of "truths" of her ideas or concepts of "trans" people . That being said - what should be done? The sad "truth" is the veracity of the "trans" community is just as diverse ... trans women are woman... they are not, At least in some ways require different things... sadly what I don't think gets any conversation are those that just want to be... aware of medical and personal experiences but for greater point of just being... and its voices like her that makes transition even harder.. Every "trans" person is aware of their passing" ability and in social spaces... and yet the ability to live in that role has to happen before they have protections... go to restrooms - get a job - health care - body changes...

Good read

If you’re interested in the subject of transgendered gender policy, this is the book for you

Fantastic Book!

Very well researched and written. Highly recommended reading for anyone interested in a rational and balanced view of the current situation the women's rights movement finds itself in when being faced with male infiltration and appropriation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐