Psychology of Gender

Book excerpt: Noted for its fair and equal coverage of men and women, Psychology of Gender reviews the research and issues surrounding gender from multiple perspectives, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and public health. Going far beyond discussions of biological sex and gender identity, the text explores the roles that society has assigned to females and males and the other variables that co-occur with sex, such as status and gender-related traits. The implications of social roles, status, and gender-related traits for relationships and health are also examined. The text begins with a discussion of the nature of gender and development of gender roles, before reviewing communication and interaction styles and how they impact our friendships and romantic relationships. It concludes with an exploration of how gender influences both physical and mental health. New to the 6th Edition: Emphasis on the intersectionality of gender, considering it as a part of wider social categories such as race, ethnicity, social class, and gender identity Recognition of the increasingly prevalent view that gender is nonbinary Extended coverage of LGBTQ individuals, their relationships, and their health Expanded discussions of key issues including gender-role strain, gender fluidity, women and STEM, parenthood, balancing family and work demands, online communication, and sexual harassment Accompanied by a comprehensive companion website featuring resources for students and instructors, alongside extensive student learning features throughout the book, Psychology of Gender is an essential read for all students of gender from psychology, women’s studies, gender studies, sociology, and anthropology.