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A Mathematician's Manifesto for Rethinking Gender

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Written by: Eugenia Cheng
Narrated by: Moira Quirk
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About this listen

A brilliant mathematician examines the complexity of gender and society and forges a path out of inequality.

Why are men in charge? After years in the male-dominated field of mathematics and in the female-dominated field of art, Eugenia Cheng has heard the question many times. In x + y, Cheng argues that her mathematical specialty - category theory - reveals why.

Category theory deals more with context, relationships, and nuanced versions of equality than with intrinsic characteristics. Category theory also emphasizes dimensionality: much as a cube can cast a square or diamond shadow, depending on your perspective, so too do gender politics appear to change with how we examine them.

Because society often rewards traits that it associates with males, such as competitiveness, we treat the problems those traits can create as male. But putting competitive women in charge will leave many unjust relationships in place. If we want real change, we need to transform the contexts in which we all exist, and not simply who we think we are.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Eugenia Cheng (P)2020 Hachette Audio Gender Studies Mathematics
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What the critics say

"A carefully developed argument that urges us to discuss character traits without reference to gender." (Kirkus)

"This is an important topic and an important time to find better ways to have conversations." (New York Times)

"On yet another adventure in using the logic of math to address social and emotional issues, author Cheng takes on gender equality...She frames her thinking with relatable examples and anecdotes....Her arguments are both passionate and logical." (Booklist starred review)

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Changed my mind

I didn’t think she could at the beginning of this book. I thought the way to fight injustice was to level the playing field, but all I was doing was playing into their hands. I still have questions, so I plan to give it another listen over and see if I can accurately state what I disagree with, to continue the conversation this book has initiated.

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