READING THE BESTSELLERS
THE DEFINITIONS OF gender, sex and sexual orientation are blurring and morphing in our mainstream culture, including in academia and science. This realization led neurologist and sexologist Debra Soh to become vocal about the need for free speech and unpoliticized science.
The End of Gender is her response to the many people asking what research truly says about gender and how they can tell when a source is inaccurate or biased. In each chapter she addresses different myths, such as that biological sex is a spectrum, gender is a social construct or gender-neutral parenting works.
Soh sees a growing trend where ideologies – regardless of whether they’re good or bad – are driving scientific research. She argues science can’t be liberal or conservative, feminist or queer. It’s testing the evidence and drawing information from it.
Her primary point is that all of us should have access to unbiased, well-researched medical help that can treat us according to our individual situations. And this can’t happen without accepting the vital role biology plays in our behaviour and sexuality.
The book isn’t an ethics guide, nor is it intended to be. Soh’s beliefs about same-sex relationships and gender transitioning won’t align with most Christians. Regardless, the book offers valuable insight into the complexity of the gender debate. It’s edifying to see how the biblical world view doesn’t conflict with what science tells us about male and female biology and gender.
Soh breaks down scientific studies in digestible ways. With a clinical, blunt style, she presents a strong argument that our society’s approach to gender and biological sex isn’t the full story. Nor does that approach adequately uphold the dignity and well-being of those at the centre of the debate. For any Christian searching for scientific information and a broader perspective on this topic, this book is worth the read. –ILANA REIMER