Encyclopedia of Women and Gender Sex Similarities and Differences and the Impact of Society on Gender

This outstanding reference resource brings together the latest information on theory, research, and social policy concerning the psychology of women and gender from leading experts in the social and behavioral sciences. It contains over 100 articles that explore in depth the cultural and political constructions of gender that influence the development and life experiences of women and men from diverse social, cultural, economic, and ethnic/racial groups. Through a consideration of theory and research, authors address the question of how social and cultural influences have structured and shaped the gender-related roles, behaviors, well-being, life events, and opportunities afforded to diverse groups of girls and boys, women and men. Multicultural and cross-cultural comparisons provide a rich tapestry of gender influences that reflect both similarities and differences within and between groups. The broad topical areas cover chapters on psychological theories of human behavior and development: feminist perspectives on quantitative and qualitative research methods; lifespan issues in gender development; gender-related personality characteristics; research on close relationships from friendship and social support to sexuality, love, and intimacy; societal contributions to gender development including parenting, education, and the media; work and employment issues including gender segregation and affirmative action policies; health and mental health concerns from depression and trauma to psychotherapy and life-satisfaction; gender-related bias and prejudice that extends to poverty, ethnicity, and sexual orientation; gendered violence expressed in child and adult physical and sexual abuse; and public policy topics that address issues of equity, fairness, and social justice. Chapters are enhanced with outlines, glossary of important terms, and useful readable references. The volumes provide a comprehensive and valuable contribution to understanding the diverse threads of individual, cultural, and societal contributions to the gendered patterns of experience for women and men that exist in all societies.Worell, Judith is the author of 'Encyclopedia of Women and Gender Sex Similarities and Differences and the Impact of Society on Gender' with ISBN 9780122272455 and ISBN 0122272455.