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Psychology of Gender/Sex

Written by Erin Winterrowd,Vicki S. Helgeson,Krystle M. Balhan

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717 pages, about 14 hours of reading

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About this book

Now in its 7th edition, Psychology of Gender/Sex reviews the research and issues surrounding gender from multiple perspectives, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and public health. It explores the ways in which gendered experiences are varied across development, social identities, and locations, focusing on the construct of gender/sex, as well as the implications of gender/sex for school, work, relationships, and health. Going far beyond discussions of biological sex and gender identity, the text explores the gender/sex roles that society assigns to people, the various ways in which people break and bend those roles, and the other variables that co-occur with gender/sex, such as status and power. Key features of this edition include: Updated and integrated coverage of LGBTQ+ issues, identities, and experiences Expanded emphasis on the intersectionality of gender/sex Renewed focus on abortion/bodily autonomy and reproduction Expanded discussions of emerging topics such as online interactions and social media, the impact of COVID on gender/sex inequalities, gender/sex in the workplace, and social justice and activism Engaging and readable, Psychology of Gender/Sex is an essential text for all students of gender from psychology, women’s studies, gender studies, sociology, and anthropology.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Psychology of Gender/Sex, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 25 hours
  • advanced
  • Informative
  • Analytical
  • Empirical

"Psychology of Gender/Sex" offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of gender and sex from a psychological perspective. The book systematically synthesizes vast research, covering biological, cognitive, social, and cultural influences on gender identity, roles, and behavior. It delves into the historical evolution of gender concepts, examines contemporary issues such as sexism, discrimination, and health disparities, and critically analyzes various theoretical frameworks. Designed as an academic textbook, it aims to provide students and scholars with a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in the study of gender and sex, emphasizing empirical evidence and critical thinking.

"Gender is not simply a characteristic of individuals but is deeply embedded in social structures, cultural norms, and power dynamics."

Key themes

Gender Identity and Development
This theme explores how individuals come to understand and experience their own gender, including biological influences, cognitive processes (e.g., gender schemas), and social learning theories. It covers the development of gender roles and expressions from childhood through adulthood, and addresses gender diversity beyond binary constructions.
Socialization and Cultural Context of Gender
This theme examines how societal institutions, cultural norms, and interpersonal interactions shape individuals' understanding and performance of gender. It includes the role of families, peers, schools, media, and religion in transmitting gendered expectations and stereotypes across different cultures.
Biological and Evolutionary Influences on Sex and Gender
This theme investigates the physiological and genetic underpinnings of sex differences and their potential impact on gendered behaviors. It covers topics such as hormonal effects, brain structure, and evolutionary psychology perspectives on mate selection, aggression, and parental investment, while also critiquing deterministic interpretations.

Worth discussing

How do biological, cognitive, and social factors interact to shape gender identity and expression?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

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