Beyond the Binary : Thinking About Sex and Gender

This book is an essential reader for understanding and deconstructing the sex/gender binary using academic and philosophical tools.

Leading the reader from the Aristotelian and Judeo-Christian models of sexual difference, all the way to discussions on biodeterminism and trans issues, Dea’s pluralistic and historically informed approach offers a timely background to current debates about sex and gender in the media, health sciences, and public policy.

Originally developed as a textbook, Beyond the Binary is written in accessible language, guiding the reader through clear outlines, digestible chapters, and questions for reflection. 

Shannon Dea (she/her, they/them) is a Professor of Philosophy at University of Waterloo, where she also teaches Gender and Social Justice, and was formerly the Director of Women’s Studies. She is a former president of Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region (now SHORE); she has also volunteered in agencies that provide support for injection drug users, sex workers, and women prisoners and ex-offenders.