Article critique and analysis methods

¶ … Bending gender, ending gender…" is extremely well written and astutely organized. Callahan's article functions as a critique of Burdge's article of the same name. Callahan structures her article in a straight forward fashion -- she begins by stating Burdge's purpose in writing the article, provides essential background information and clarifies a few terms, then denotes the article's strengths and weaknesses. To Callahan's credit, she largely refrains from issuing opinions and buttresses her viewpoint with a ready supply of quotations from Burdge's work. As such, the reader is able to ascribe a degree of validity and reliability to Callahan's article, which definitely makes it one worth reading.

One of the really useful points about Callahan's article is the fact that it was unequivocally written for a scholarly audience. She makes clear points, her logic and arguments are cogent, and the paper is fairly cohesive. There is also a fair amount of evidence that suggests this article was intended for both social workers and for those studying this field. She begins by explaining a phenomenon -- the reality of transgender individuals -- and then describes its relevance to social workers. She identifies several of the vicissitudes transgender individuals experience, and explains how social workers can use that information to provide better care for this population.

There are few doubts about the fact that this article clearly defines its purpose. The author begins by explicating that she is writing a review of Burdge's article. Then, in the document's opening paragraph, she lucidly states her purpose, which is to explore the ways that social workers can provide assistance to transgender people. In achieving this purpose, she discusses some of the various types of transgender people in existence, as well as the many problems they face. Specifically, these people frequently encounter instances of harassment and intolerance, which can actually lead to emotional difficulties and even "self mutilation" (Callahan, 2009, p. 88).

Another aspect of Callahan's writing that makes it both academic and professional is the fact that she displays an innate sensitivity to cultural issues while writing this piece. The author is discussing what for many people is a sensitive subject. Transgender people are regularly ridiculed and harangued. However, the author makes sure she does not engage in this behavior when describing these people and their customs. She is respectful of their cultural differences and takes care not to offend them or any others while describing ways social workers can help them.