Abstract

From language and clothes, to toys and the media, society inflicts unwritten rules on each gender from birth. Aiming to make people aware of the way gender is constructed and constantly reinforced, this diary chronicles the differences two parents noticed while raising their son and daughter.

Adapted from tweets and blogs the couple kept throughout parenthood, this collection shows how culture, family and even the authors themselves are part of the 'gender police' that can influence a child's identity, and offers ideas for how we can work together to challenge the gender stereotypes that are ingrained in our society.

Perceptive, practical and powerful.
Cordelia Fine, Professor at the University of Melbourne and the author of Delusions of gender: The real science behind sex differences and Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the myths of our gendered minds.
An eye-opening account of the little things that cumulatively make a big difference to the way boys and girls are raised. Fascinating, shocking and full of useful tips on how to fight back against the 'gender police'. Every parent should read it.
Rebecca Asher, author of Shattered and Man Up
James Millar and Ros Ball are both journalists working in politics in Westminster. They run the @GenderDiary twitter account.
An arresting account of the way casual everyday comments about children reflect and reinforce gender stereotypes. We recommend this book at least once a week - it explains why we campaign.
Let Toys Be Toys
One daughter. One son. Two different worlds. This book is a fascinating insight in how gender inequality is embedded in our society from the earliest years of a child's life.
Jo Swinson, former Lib Dem Equalities Minister