Theorizing Gender: An Introduction

by Rachel Alsop, Annette Fitzsimons

This accessible text aims to give a theoretical overview of approaches to gender. The book discusses the major theories concerned with the ways in which we ‘become engendered', and explains and evaluates naturalist, psychoanalytic, materialist and post-structuralist accounts.
Tensions between these different approaches are acknowledged , but stark polarities are resisted. Throughout the book it is recognized that becoming gendered implicates and is implicated by other aspects of social becoming. The work of Judith Butler is discussed in detail and its importance and limitations spelt out in key chapters on sexuality, the body, transgendering and political agency. Debates between ‘queer' approaches to gender and those prioritizing sexual difference are also brought to the fore.
Theorizing Gender aims to provide a framework for weaving together what are often viewed as opposing directions of thought. Students and researchers in sociology, philosophy and gender studies, and all those with an interest in gender will find it an invaluable resource.

Genres: Theory, Feminism, Sociology

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2002

Reviews

[Anastasia Lindquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book left me wanting more, this is an enlightening piece that makes me reevaluate gender in ways I hadn't before. I believe this book would be ideal for two seemingly opposite groups. First, people who do not entirely understand non-normative genders would benefit from the connections made between dominant and marginalized genders and sexualities, especially as the authors begin the book with familiar theories like naturalization, psychoanalysis, and socialized genders. Second, those who relate to non-normative genders would get a refresher on the normative elements that are at play in their identity. In addition, they would find representation and offerings of nuance in their identities. I personally found great interest in Chapter 6, which elaborates on men's theories and masculinist studies. This is a perspective I rarely see in gender books such as these, but it is a sorely overlooked topic that should be studied more for the sake of understanding a patriarchal Western society. Controversial theories from radical feminists, Marxist feminists, and masculinists are presented, but they are approached in a manner that attempts to describe, not agree nor disagree with, their invaluable perspectives. In addition, this book adheres to the basic understanding of two genders and fails to effectively represent nonbinary and genderqueer people on a larger scale. With this being said, this is a great introductory book that I would recommend to those of any background who are interested in learning about Western genders.

[Paris Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts I did not find interesting, but other sections very much so.

This was a compulsory text for a module I completed and found it very enlightening as had not studied this branch of philosophy before.

I will do more reading into the topics but shall choose my specific favourites (masculinities) rather than a wide ranging book.

Otherwise, good introduction but brief (which one would expect since covering so many topics).

[A.C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

slightly underwhelming. A touch too basic for an introductory text on such a complex topic.