Questioning Gender: A Sociological Exploration

by Robyn Ryle

Rather than providing definitive answers about gender, this unique book exposes readers to new material that will lead them to question their assumptions. The author uses both historical and cross- cultural approaches―as well as a focus on intersectionality and transgender issues―to help students understand the socially-constructed nature of gender. Debunking ideas of what is normal and abnormal, this provocative book explores the core theories and topics of the course, including the gender of sexuality, the gender of friendship and dating, the gender of media and popular culture, and the gender of politics and power.

Genres: Textbooks, Nonfiction, Feminism

568 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2011

About the author

Robyn Ryle is a writer who also teaches sociology and gender studies at a small liberal arts college in Indiana. Her young adult novel, FAIR GAME, about a girls' basketball team that challenges the boys to a high stakes game, putting their season, their futures and three cherished friendships on the line, is available for pre-order now.

She's also the author of three nonfiction books. THROW LIKE A GIRL, CHEER LIKE A BOY: THE EVOLUTION OF GENDER, IDENTITY, AND RACE IN SPORTS will be available in paperback in August 2023. SHE/HE/THEY/ME: AN INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO THE GENDER BINARY is a 2020 ALA Stonewall Book Award Honoree. She's also written a sociology of gender textbook, QUESTIONING GENDER: A SOCIOLOGICAL EXPLORATION, available in its 5th edition in October 2023.

She has essays and stories at Newsweek, Gawker, CALYX Journal, Tin House and Belt Magazine, among others. You can find her on Twitter, @RobynRyle and IG, @robynrryle.

Reviews

[Annie Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES. A delightful way to break down everything you have ever assumed to be true in your interpretation of gender

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read; it reassured my understanding in gender, while also diving into subjects/issues that arise through their differences (such as the feminization of poverty, or the violence towards bipoc transgenders).

Even if you aren’t that interested in learning about gender but want to dive into sociology: this book at least does a great job at helping you understand what ethnocentrism is and opens your eyes to cultural relativity, which I believe is essential in understanding since we are all human.

[Caleb Woolsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides new perspectives and helps create understanding of gender and associated phenomena.