Gender The Basics

Gender: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the influence of cultural, historical, biological, psychological and economic forces on ways in which we have come to define and experience femininity and masculinity, and on the impact and importance of gender categories. Highlighting that there is far more to gender than biological sex, it examines theories and research about how and why gender categories and identities are developed and about how interpersonal and societal power relationships are gendered. It takes a global and intersectional perspective to examine the interaction between gender and a wide range of topics including: • Relationships, intimacy and concepts of sexuality across the lifespan • The workplace and labour markets • Gender related violence and war • Public health, poverty and development • Gender and public leadership This new edition includes increased coverage of trans visibility and activism, LGBTQ studies and critical masculinity studies, global developments in women’s political leadership, links between gender and economic wellbeing, and cyberbullying. Supporting theory with examples and case studies from a variety of contexts, suggestions for further reading and a detailed glossary, this text is an essential read for anyone approaching the study of gender for the first time.

Gender: The Basics is an engaging introduction which examines the impact of cultural, historical, biological, psychological and economic forces on qualities which have come to be defined as masculine or feminine. Highlighting that there is far more to gender than biological sex, it takes a global perspective to examine the interaction between gender and a wide range of topics including: • Relationships, intimacy and concepts of sexuality • The workplace and labour markets • Gender related violence and war • Public health, poverty and development • The ageing process Supporting theory with examples and case studies from a variety of contexts, suggestions for further reading and a detailed glossary, this text is an essential read for anyone approaching the study of gender for the first time.

Gender: The Basics is an engaging introduction which examines the impact of cultural, historical, biological, psychological and economic forces on qualities which have come to be defined as masculine or feminine. Highlighting that there is far more to gender than biological sex, it takes a global perspective to examine the interaction between gender and a wide range of topics including: • Relationships, intimacy and concepts of sexuality • The workplace and labour markets • Gender related violence and war • Public health, poverty and development • The ageing process Supporting theory with examples and case studies from a variety of contexts, suggestions for further reading and a detailed glossary, this text is an essential read for anyone approaching the study of gender for the first time.

This highly accessible combination of articles with readable and teachable supporting introductions and text enables students to understand assigned readings well enough to be able to come to class ready to ask intelligent questions and engage in critical discussion.

Pushing the boundaries of traditional sex, gender, and sexuality theories, the second edition of this edited volume brings together classic and cutting-edge works that engage, challenge, and excite. The directed reading questions before each article provides students and faculty with aroadmap, as well as the foundations to lively in-class discussions. The front-and-center list of Key Terms will prove indispensable. This fantastic resource brings together sex, gender, and sexuality through the prism of race, ethnicity, religion, ability, age, and class.

What does sexual orientation mean if the very categories of gender are in question? How do we measure equality when our society’s definitions of “male” and “female” leave out much of the population? There is no consensus on what a “real” man or woman is, where one’s sex begins and ends, or what purpose the categories of masculine and feminine traits serve. While significant strides have been made in recent years on behalf of women’s, gay and lesbian rights, there is still a large division between the law and day-to-day reality for LGBTQIA and female-identified individuals in American society. The practices, media outlets and institutions that privilege heterosexuality and traditional gender roles as “natural” need a closer examination. Gender & Sexuality For Beginners considers the uses and limitations of biology in defining gender. Questioning gender and sex as both categories and forms of compulsory identification, it critically examines the issues in the historical and contemporary construction, meaning and perpetuation of gender roles. Gender & Sexuality For Beginners interweaves neurobiology, psychology, feminist, queer and trans theory, as well as historical gay and lesbian activism to offer new perspectives on gender inequality, ultimately pointing to the clear inadequacy of gender categories and the ways in which the sex-gender system oppresses us all.