Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussions of gender and/or transgender discrimination, mental health conditions, illness or death, and racism.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did reading about the pervasive nature of the gender data gap change your understanding of everyday systems and designs? Have you read other works examining systemic bias, such as Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil? How does Perez's approach compare?

2. Which examples of gender-based design bias surprised you the most, and why did these particular instances stand out?

3. Was Perez's use of both statistical data and personal anecdotes an effective way to deliver her argument about the consequences of the gender data gap? Why or why not?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. When have you encountered design or systems that seemed "gender neutral" but actually favored male users? How did you adapt to handle these situations?

2. Perez discusses the fact that women's unpaid work often goes unrecognized and uncounted. How has this dynamic played out in your own life or in the lives of women you know?