'A hugely informative and quietly furious call to arms.' IRISH TIMES

'A ground-breaking new book.' EVENING STANDARD

'A must read.' DAILY EXPRESS

'She is balanced in her evidence analysis, forensic in her research.' TELEGRAPH

'A vital subject that needs to be discussed -KATY HESSEL, AUTHOR OF THE STORY OF ART WITHOUT MEN

'A valuable sociological perspective on women's bodies and health and an even more valuable (and optimistic) view of a better future for all.' GINA RIPPON


The idea that medicine is gender-neutral is a myth. This isn't inflammatory rhetoric; it's simply true. From the way pain is felt, to how heart attacks are diagnosed, to the very role society plays in the health of the body, the medical landscape in place today is one that was designed for, and by, men.

This book is about all the ways medicine is not gender-neutral, from research to treatment to diagnosis. Throughout history, flawed mindsets have paved the way for sub-par treatment, and the prevailing attitudes that still exist today have had terrible repercussions for women and their bodies.

Blending fascinating examples with historical and cultural context, and reflecting on her own personal experience with healthcare, Dr Marieke Bigg explores how women's bodies have been ignored, misunderstood and misdiagnosed, whilst keeping an eye to a better future. This is a sharp and honest must-read, and an empowering tool for anyone committed to making this world safer to navigate for all.

About the Author
Dr Marieke Bigg holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Cambridge. Her work focused on the role of biological models and biologists in public deliberations on biotechnology and reproductive medicine. She also writes fiction that deals with the intersection of art and the female body. Besides her writing, she runs writing workshops, lectures, and collaborates with scientists and artists to produce exhibitions that conjure new social worlds.

Reviews
Asking all the right questions about the treatment of women's bodies and more importantly, answering them. Punchy, fascinating and vital. -- Rachel Parris
A different outlook on what is getting to be a familiar refrain. Medicine is sexist! This book offers another window into the world where women's health concerns are dismissed as 'only to be expected'. Where, when dealing with women, medicine waits until a problem arises rather than find ways of preventing it. Where female problems are second class and to be endured, as opposed to men's problems, which are a matter of primary concern, and must be cured. A valuable sociological perspective on women's bodies and health and an even more valuable (and optimistic) view of a better future for all, if medical research just paid attention to women's bodies -- Gina Rippon
A vital subject that needs to be discussed -- Katy Hessel
A brilliant book...There is so much to unlearn, there is so much that also follows in terms of how medicine could support - rather than fail - half the world's population. * Helen Pankhurst *
''[Marieke] is balanced in her evidence analysis, forensic in her research.' * Telegraph *
'A hugely informative and quietly furious call to arms... with the skill and methodological precision of a surgeon.' * Irish Times *
'Dr Marieke Bigg's searing expose of gender bias in medicine is equal parts frustrating and comforting...a must read.' * Daily Express *
'A ground-breaking new book.' * EVENING STANDARD *
'She skewers the medical and scientific experts for failing to listen to women about their problems and develop treatments.' * Financial Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9781529377699
Author Marieke Bigg
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint Hodder & Stoughton
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Weight(grams) 560g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 160mm * 34mm