Praeger Guide to the Psychology of Gender

Book excerpt: When we examine the field of gender psychology closely, we note that much of what the popular media tells us about women and men does not hold up to research scrutiny. This handbook helps to replace media stereotypes and myths with realities and shows us that there are more similarities between the sexes than differences. The contributors to this handbook have a highly practical and readable approach that will prompt readers to examine their self-awareness and social tolerance to biases against women and men in our social institutions such as schools and workplaces. They also reveal that the increased participation in courses and reading of literature on gender has improved gender role attitudes and behavior, causing both sexes to treat each other with more respect and dignity. The contributors to this volume focus on gender role development and multicultural issues throughout the lifecyle. They also emphasize the empowerment of both sexes. The gender-related topics in this handbook include: Teacher socialization of girls and boys; Women's and men's verbal and nonverbal communication skills; Women's and men's voting patterns; Sexual violence; The gender wage gap; Women's and men's friendships and sexual relationships; Parents' communication of masculinity and femininity to their children.