Readers Unpack Gender Biases in ‘Books Unwrapped’ Event

Students teamed up with avid readers across the globe to dissect feminine bias and the gender data gap as part of Books Unwrapped, a virtual international literary discussion event on 27 November.

Students ‘unwrapped’ “Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men” by Caroline Criado Pérez, a non-fiction work, where the core issue of feminine bias concerning hegemonic masculinity – the widespread idea that men are the dominant gender – was discussed in the context of gender-related gaps in data. This was the first of several monthly discussion events to come, the next of which Island School will be hosting.

Student representative Alexander Bray (12W) described the event as a “pleasant, knowledgeable experience for all passionate book lovers where you [can] learn about different people’s perspectives, whilst sharing your own unique ideas.” Joseph Lau (12D) echoed this sentiment, remarking that “the discussions and debates were thorough and erudite”.

Books Unwrapped aims to foster an interconnected, international discussion environment for twenty-first century thinkers to dissect global issues through books. Currently, four schools across the globe are participating. Books Unwrapped at Island School is supported by Mr Gary Corlett and Ms Maria Callow. Feel free to email gary.corlett@online.island.edu.hk for any questions!

Written by Angela Chen and Joseph Lau of the Books Unwrapped Team