Gender Politics: Citizenship, Activism and Sexual Diversity

by Surya Monro

Is it possible to move beyond the male-female gender binary system? What happens to gender theory when we consider sex and gender identities as more than just 'male' or 'female'? Crucially, what are the implications of gender and sexual fluidity and multiplicity for social policy, citizenship, new social movements and democracy? Gender Politics challenges ideas that we are all either male or female, and gay or straight. It explores the experiences of people who transgress these categories, and the social exclusion that they face. Surya Monro addresses topical debates concerning gender, and looks at different ways of theorising gender pluralism. She explains how gender and sexuality relate to other social characteristics such as 'race', class, and disability. As well as providing a way into some of the key academic discussions in the field of gender and sexuality, Gender Politics is also a tool for activists. Monro analyses the way in which mainstream citizenship, social policy, and democracy can -or cannot - be changed to reflect the needs of marginalised groups. She explores the social implications of equality for transgender, intersex, lesbian, gay and bisexual people, and assesses the conflicts within these communities.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2005

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impeccable in its politics and in its scholarship – though also rather dry and overbearing in its endless signposting (“This is what I will do – Now I am doing this – In this chapter, I have done that”).

[Joshua Allerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being out-of-date, this book really opens your eyes to the issues surrounding gender and politics. It has introduced me to new concepts and has made me really think about the various sub-topics this book covers. It has also made me realise how blind I have been as a white, middle-class man.

Whilst this book argues well, I feel the essay, academic approach is too early for this topic. As said by Monro, very little literature has been made about bisexuality and the trans community. For an average reader, the style can be boring and heavy, failing to give the topic the justice it needs. If it had been written more friendly, I may have enjoyed it more.

This book lost the two stars because:
1) The style and word choice should have been friendlier.
2) If the book was aimed at the average reader, Monro failed to take in account lack of pre-knowledge.

[Chris Ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deals with 'politics' in the narrower sense of the word. Employing the vocabulary of rights and citizenship, it discusses how gender 'troubles' politics and how we can best meet the political, medical, welfare, social, and cultural needs coming from the gender-related communities. Pro: materials from real life interviews are very helpful for people writing papers on transgender and gender non-conforming issues; con: only has one set of viewpoints of modern politics, does not address micro politics ad bio politics sufficiently.