gender-neutral-society
Gethenian society lacks gender-based roles or divisions, leading to social equality and the absence of typical human sexual dynamics such as dominance or exploitation.
1 chapter across 1 book
The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)Ursula K. Le Guin
This chapter presents detailed field notes from Investigator Ong Tot Oppong on the unique sexual physiology and social implications of the ambisexual Gethenians. It explains the somer-kemmer sexual cycle, the absence of fixed gender roles, and how this biology shapes Gethenian society, including the elimination of sexual motivation for most of the month and the social equality it fosters. The investigator also speculates on the possibility that Gethen's ambisexuality was an intentional experiment by ancient Hainish colonizers aimed at exploring the effects of discontinuous sexuality on culture and possibly the elimination of war.