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Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences
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.
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.
- GenresAudiobookSocial Science
Audible Audio
Published August 29, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 23, 2026
The discussion on gender differences is enlightening (boys, on average, need volume to be 6-8 decibels louder than girls, resulting in unnecessary ADHD diagnoses when the boy may just be struggling to hear the teacher; girls draw with more color and detail and boys focus on a moment of action; boys prefer shoulder-to-shoulder experiences while girls prefer face-to-face).
I did feel a slightly condescending tone and lack of empathy throughout the book. And while some of the topics were supported by a thorough discussion of research, other conclusions were drawn only from doctor observation, small case studies, stories or polling large groups of teens and assuming they will answer truthfully with raised hands.
I think these topics are so important and I want to learn more, but this specific book often came across as more of a long op-ed piece. Interesting discussion points but I felt like I did a lot of mental work sorting information into categories: ‘I morally believe this principle but your data doesn’t support it” or “I don’t agree with this idea and your data somewhat supports it,” etc.
I did feel a slightly condescending tone and lack of empathy throughout the book. And while some of the topics were supported by a thorough discussion of research, other conclusions were drawn only from doctor observation, small case studies, stories or polling large groups of teens and assuming they will answer truthfully with raised hands.
I think these topics are so important and I want to learn more, but this specific book often came across as more of a long op-ed piece. Interesting discussion points but I felt like I did a lot of mental work sorting information into categories: ‘I morally believe this principle but your data doesn’t support it” or “I don’t agree with this idea and your data somewhat supports it,” etc.
September 25, 2025
I was intrigued but also apprehensive. I wasn't entirely certain what I was getting myself into with this one. But it was actually quite compelling!
The author used only scientific evidence to illustrate how males and females are genetically different on the mental/emotional and developmental level. He does address transgender, homosexuality, and a term he used called "gender atypical" behavior.
No one person, regardless of gender, fits perfectly into a mold. But the intent of this book is to equip adults who deal with children on the regular (as in, not just parents; but also teachers and any other profession/volunteer position that puts one in a supervisional role over kids) with the tools and resources they need to meet their individual kids where they are and to help them succeed in life.
It is so so good, so sad, and terribly scary. I've always known - but this book shines a spotlight on - how easy it is to mess up our kids. But it also offers a beacon of hope. If we understand where our boys and girls are mentally, we can support them in the right way to reach their full potential and be happy doing it.
If you find yourself in charge of a child, or multiple children, with any kind of regularity in your life, please give this book a read. It will change your life and theirs - for the better!
The author used only scientific evidence to illustrate how males and females are genetically different on the mental/emotional and developmental level. He does address transgender, homosexuality, and a term he used called "gender atypical" behavior.
No one person, regardless of gender, fits perfectly into a mold. But the intent of this book is to equip adults who deal with children on the regular (as in, not just parents; but also teachers and any other profession/volunteer position that puts one in a supervisional role over kids) with the tools and resources they need to meet their individual kids where they are and to help them succeed in life.
It is so so good, so sad, and terribly scary. I've always known - but this book shines a spotlight on - how easy it is to mess up our kids. But it also offers a beacon of hope. If we understand where our boys and girls are mentally, we can support them in the right way to reach their full potential and be happy doing it.
If you find yourself in charge of a child, or multiple children, with any kind of regularity in your life, please give this book a read. It will change your life and theirs - for the better!
April 8, 2026
Dr. Sax does a good job outlining the dangers of gender neutral parenting. He can be a little heavy on the anecdotes at times, but always comes back to data-based truths.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews