The book is extremely systematic and original. Witt brings to the discussion a solid background in metaphysics and Aristotelian ethics that informs her view. Drawing on this she is able to construct a very substantial and intricate argument for her conclusion... Moreover her view is utterly unique. It introduces a novel idea of the social subject and a twist on the idea of essentialism to get a genuinely interesting and provocative conclusion. Witt explains complex metaphysical concepts in a way that is understandable and employs them artfully. The book relies on good clear examples at important points and will engage a broad readership.
Sally Haslanger, MIT
Charlotte Witt has published a bold new book on the metaphysics of our social world, in which she argues for gender essentialism...Her book is a sustained argument for a precise thesis that weaves together issues in feminist theory, metaphysics, moral psychology, ethics, and political philosophy. There are not many works that achieve this. Witt's book is a very important contribution to our understanding of the metaphysics of social reality and of sexist oppression.
Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews