Gender

Macmillan Insights in Psychology

by Leanne Franklin

From the way we dress to the way we are treated by our peers, gender is a crucial part of our identity, which is threaded into every aspect of our lives. In this fascinating introduction, Franklin discusses the effects of gender identity on behavior, then explores the theoretical perspectives on why these differences occur.

Genres: Psychology

207 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2012

Reviews

[James Pickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the multi-varied and holistic approach Franlin took to educating people on gender. I was opened up to notions of gender schema's and psycho-social studies that highlight gender throughout all stages of a persons life. Although lacking in looking at themes of intersectional identity, I appreciate how she broached the subject from many different angles that did not exclude one school of thought from another.

I particularly liked how even though she dedicated a chapter 'History of Gender' to mainly discussing feminist waves, her stance remained atypically objective - her role as author was merely to educate people on the creation, construction, and reinforcement of gender.

Despite using the word 'thus' FAR too many times which to me indicates a level of trying to be too much of an academic, her writing style remains articulate and relaxed which give the reader clarity on what her arguments are.

I would say this is a complementary guide to gaining a good epistemological understanding of gender - however it is not a comprehensive guide for gender as a subject; this should be taken as a merit.