Custom Gender: Feminist Science Studies in a Postgenomic Age

In this analysis of gendered scientific research, Sarah Richardson examines the role of sex difference and gender in behavioral biology and biomedical innovation. The book focuses on specific case studies from genomic science while investigating methodological flaws in sex-difference research. Richardson tracks the history of gender bias in genetic studies and interrogates several high-profile claims about sex differences in genetics and medicine. Her research spans 21st century genomics, molecular biology, and contemporary biomedical practices in both academic and commercial contexts. The text highlights methodological failures and flawed assumptions in scientific research related to gender, including testosterone studies and commercialized genetic testing. Richardson analyzes both published research and raw data to unpack problematic gender assumptions within scientific protocols. Through these investigations, Custom Gender demonstrates the deep entanglement between cultural gender concepts and supposedly objective scientific methods. The book advocates for rigorous scientific practices while revealing the persistent influence of gender ideologies in modern biomedical research.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Sarah Richardson's overall work: Academic readers commend Richardson's thorough research methodology and her examination of gender bias in scientific research. On Goodreads, "Sex Itself" maintains a 4.1/5 rating from 89 readers, with reviewers highlighting her clear explanations of complex concepts. Readers appreciate: - Clear breakdown of historical context around sex chromosome research - Accessible writing style for non-scientists - Well-documented examples of how cultural assumptions influence research - Balance between technical detail and broader social implications Common criticisms: - Dense academic language in some sections - Limited discussion of intersex conditions - Some readers wanted more concrete solutions/recommendations From Amazon (3.9/5 from 12 reviews), one reader notes: "Richardson effectively demonstrates how societal views of gender shaped chromosome research." Another states: "Important work but could be more accessible to general audiences." Professional reviews in academic journals consistently cite the book's contribution to feminist science studies, though some note its narrow focus on Western scientific traditions.

Testosterone: An Unauthorized Biography by Katrina Karkazis A critical examination of scientific research on testosterone reveals how cultural assumptions shape biological narratives about sex, gender, and behavior.

Race After Technology by Ruha Benjamin The book examines how social biases become embedded in scientific tools and technologies through data practices and algorithmic design.

Living in a Biological Revolution by Sarah Franklin An exploration of how biotechnology reshapes understandings of nature, reproduction, and human identity in contemporary society.

Gender and the Genome by Sarah S. Richardson The analysis tracks how gender assumptions influence genomic science and the interpretation of sex differences in genetic research.

The Postgenomic Condition by Jenny Reardon A study of how genomic science intersects with social justice issues and shapes contemporary understandings of human difference.

🧬 Sarah Richardson serves as Professor of the History of Science and Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Harvard University, bringing extensive expertise to her analysis of gender in scientific research. 🔬 The book explores how gender assumptions and biases influence genomic science, particularly examining how researchers interpret and present data about sex differences. 🧪 Richardson coined the term "postgenomic" to describe the current era of biological research that moves beyond simple genetic determinism to consider complex interactions between genes and environment. 📊 The work challenges popular interpretations of X and Y chromosome research, demonstrating how cultural gender beliefs can shape supposedly objective scientific conclusions. 🔋 The book builds on Richardson's previous work, "Sex Itself: The Search for Male and Female in the Human Genome," which won the Ludwik Fleck Prize from the Society for Social Studies of Science.