Description
Book SynopsisOffers a discussion of diversity in gender and sexuality among fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals, including primates. This title explains how this diversity develops from the action of genes and hormones and how people come to differ from each other in all aspects of body and behavior.
Trade Review“As a compendium of information on sex and gender diversity in the natural world, Roughgarden's is the richest and most authoritative book available, fulfilling a desperate need of readers both within and outside the scientific community . . . this book is going to have a huge impact.” * Nature *
“This brilliant and accessible work of biological criticism has the potential to revolutionize the way readers conceive of gender and sexuality in the natural world. “ * Publishers Weekly *
“An insightful blend of biology and social science, this work presents a fresh evolutionary perspective on sex, gender, and sexuality, with widespread implications for modern societies.” * CHOICE *
“The book is thought–provoking, even at times profound. . . . I hope this book will be widely read. It combines the combustible power of a keen intellect with powerful conviction and ethical courage. Scientists are trained to create the illusion of objectivity by hiding their hopes and expectations. Roughgarden tries a different approach, openly injecting her reasoned convictions and policy agenda into her analyses. I don't agree with all of her conclusions, but she has written an important and honest book about a subject that matters.” * American Scientist *
“Throws open the animal kingdom’s closet doors.” * Advocate *
“This extraordinary study strengthens the case for a liberal tolerance and blows open established moral and scientific certainties.” * Scotsman *
“Brave . . .
Evolution’s Rainbow succeeds very well at making the reader rethink their conceptions of social selection and nature.” * Biology Digest *
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Evolution’s Rainbow not only enhances our knowledge of the natural world, it also offers an ethical way for such knowledge to be used.” * California Wild *
‘A fascinating discussion of diversity in gender and sexuality across a wide variety of animals.” * Pink Pages *
Table of ContentsPreface to the 2013 Edition Preface to the 2009 Edition Introduction: Diversity Denied PART ONE: ANIMAL RAINBOWS 1 Sex and Diversity 2 Sex versus Gender 3 Sex within Bodies 4 Sex Roles 5 Two-Gender Families 6 Multiple-Gender Families 7 Female Choice 8 Same-Sex Sexuality 9 The Theory of Evolution PART TWO: HUMAN RAINBOWS 10 An Embryonic Narrative 11 Sex Determination 12 Sex Differences 13 Gender Identity 14 Sexual Orientation 15 Psychological Perspectives 16 Disease versus Diversity 17 Genetic Engineering versus Diversity PART THREE: CULTURAL RAINBOWS 18 Two-Spirits, Mahu, and Hijras 19 Transgender in Historical Europe and the Middle East 20 Sexual Relations in Antiquity 21 Tomboi, Vestidas, and Guevedoche 22 Trans Politics in the United States Appendix: Policy Recommendations Notes Index
