Gender Reckonings: New Social Theory and Research

by James W. Messerschmidt (Editor), Michael A. Messner (Editor), Raewyn W. Connell (Editor)

Vivid narratives, fresh insights, and new theories on where gender theory and research stand today

Since scholars began interrogating the meaning of gender and sexuality in society, this field has become essential to the study of sociology. Gender Reckonings aims to map new directions for understanding gender and sexuality within a more pragmatic, dynamic, and socially relevant framework. It shows how gender relations must be understood on a large scale as well as in intimate detail.

The contributors return to the basics, questioning how gender patterns change, how we can realize gender equality, and how the structures of gender impact daily life. Gender Reckonings covers not only foundational concepts of gender relations and gender justice, but also explores postcolonial patterns of gender, intersectionality, gender fluidity, transgender practices, neoliberalism, and queer theory.

Gender Reckonings combines the insights of gender and sexuality scholars from different generations, fields, and world regions. The editors and contributors are leading social scientists from six continents, and the book gives vivid accounts of the changing politics of gender in different communities.

Rich in empirical detail and novel thinking, Gender Reckonings is a lasting resource for students, researchers, activists, policymakers, and everyone concerned with gender justice.

384 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2018

About the author

James W. Messerschmidt is Professor of Sociology and Women's and Gender Studies, and Chair of the Criminology Department, at the University of Southern Maine. He is the author of over thirty academic articles and book chapters as well as ten books, most recently Gender, Heterosexuality, and Youth Violence: The Struggle for Recognition (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012). Professor Messerschmidt teaches courses on gender and crime, white-collar crime, and introduction to women's and gender studies. He is the recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Feminist Faculty Award from the Women's and Gender Studies Program at the University of Southern Maine as well as 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award from San Diego State University for his distinguished scholarly contributions to sociology, criminology, and gender studies.

Reviews

[Zawn V · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new or fresh here. Indeed, much of the content centers around a piece written in the 1980s.

[Kristi Allain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some important insights here but the text is uneven in places.