Description
Book SynopsisTrans Kidsis a trenchant ethnographic and interview-based study of the first generation of families affirming and facilitating gender nonconformity in children. Earlier generations of parents sent such children for psychiatric treatment aimed at a cure, but today, many parents agree to call their children new names, allow them to wear whatever clothing they choose, and approach the state to alter the gender designation on their passports and birth certificates. Drawing from sociology, philosophy, psychology, and sexuality studies, sociologist Tey Meadow depicts the intricate social processes that shape gender acquisition. Where once atypical gender expression was considered a failure of gender, now it is a form of gender. Engaging and rigorously argued,Trans Kidsunderscores the centrality of ever more particular configurations of gender in both our physical and psychological lives, and the increasing embeddedness of personal identities in social institutions.
Trade Review“Meadows is a superb scholar and storyteller and, with this work, makes a critical contribution to family and gender studies. Everyone should read this book.” * CHOICE *
"Invites readers — and anyone genuinely interested in studying or understanding gender-nonconforming people — to ask questions that reach beyond readily available vocabulary, arguing that that's the next right, respectful thing to do.” * Bay Area Reporter *
“Trans Kids is excellent work that combines compelling narratives with extensive ethnographic descriptions of parents’ and children’s experiences.” * ForeWord *
"Clearly, more information is urgently needed to counteract ignorance, and one hopes, accordingly, that this fine book will be enlightening.” * Booklist *
“[A] landmark study." * Public Books *
“A vital and necessary read. . . . Beyond the daring of its title, this is a book whose depth and sensitivity pull you in throughout.” * PopMatters *
“Presents an important sociological snapshot of the experiences of parents and guardians of transgender and gender nonconforming children and youth. . . . The stories of individuals' interactions with the medical industry, parent-support groups, child-protection services, and the anxiety produced in these navigations provides valuable information for social and moral analysis.” * Hypatia: A Journal of Feminist Philosophy *
"Meadow captures the rapidly changing and charged social landscape of trans and transitions. . . . Today trans childhood represents one iteration by which gender is done." * Contemporary Sociology *
"Altogether, Trans Kids advances our understandings of gender in critically important ways and will stand as an important text for future generations of scholarship."
* American Journal of Sociology *
Table of ContentsList of Tables and Figures
Acknowledgments
1. Studying Each Other
2. Gender Troubles
3. The Gender Clinic
4. Building a Parent Movement
5. Anxiety and Gender Regulation
6. Telling Gender Stories
7. From Failure to Form
Appendix A: A Note on the Language of Gender
Appendix B: Methodology
Appendix C: List of Interviewees
Notes
Glossary
References
Index
