The Psychology of Gender, 2nd Ed

Now in an extensively revised and expanded second edition, this text presents important advances in the psychological study of gender differences and similarities across the lifespan. New contributors, additional topics, and many completely new chapters provide a broad overview of current knowledge and bring the field thoroughly up to date. Diverse theoretical approaches and research traditions are represented, including biological, social-cognitive, psychoanalytic, and self psychological perspectives. Covered are such topics as the organization and activational effects of sex hormones; evolutionary influences on sex-role behaviors; processes of gender development and socialization; gender inequality and stereotypes; crosscultural issues; and more. An ideal text for advanced undergraduate- or graduate-level courses, the volume is also a useful sourcebook for researchers.

To what extent does gender influence our behavior, thoughts, and feelings? How do "nature" and "nurture" interact to shape our identities as female or male? And what are the effects of gender on the ways we are perceived and treated by others? The second edition of this important text and reference confronts the central questions pertaining to gender differences and similarities across the lifespan. Rather than focusing on a particular viewpoint, the volume is carefully designed to foster comparison among different lines of psychological research and provide a broad survey of cutting-edge work in the field.

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Investigates the psychology of gender from the spectrum of theoretical approaches ranging from evolutionary to social constructionist. Following an introductory chapter, topics are grouped into three sections covering the influence of gender on our thoughts and behavior, broad theories of gender differentiation and the biological and cultural functioning of gender. A final chapter offers an overview, and attempts the integration into one framework of the disparate perspectives presented. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Dorothy Allison, novelist and feminist, and many other authors and scientists have written about how consequential social categories such as gender are to life experiences.