Synopses & Reviews
The Second Edition of Laura Kramer's "essentials" gender text provides an overview of basic sociological concepts and perspectives on gender--presented in a concise, accessibly written format. Focused chiefly on gender in the contemporary United States, the book integrates historical
background to help communicate the magnitude of changes in the gender system and the macro-, middle-, and micro-level forces at play. The text emphasizes both the influences of and the interaction of social structure and culture in women's and men's lives.
Throughout, the text integrates variations in the meanings of gender related to race-ethnicity and social class. Current research informs all discussions, and historical background helps students understand the dynamic nature of gender systems and the importance of social action.
The Sociology of Gender's explicitly sociological approach provides an alternative to--and critiques of--biological and psychological approaches to gender and sexual orientation. The popularity of these approaches is itself analyzed to encourage students' critical thinking.
The chapter on culture presents traditionally dominant and changing versions of femininities and masculinities, examining how these are communicated through language, mass media, and religion. The coverage on religion is expanded in the new edition, as is the discussion of knowledge professionals. A
focus on cultural change concludes this chapter, with an examination of the importance of both social structural and cultural forces in maintaining or changing cultural content.
The topic of individual agency and resistance, introduced in the first chapter, is carried throughout discussions of culture and socialization. The section on social interaction is expanded, and discussions of learning and doing gender through the life course are reorganized and updated. Separate
sections on sexuality, the body, and health are new.
A new chapter on education complements revised chapters on the family, work and the economy, and the legal and political systems. In addition to the integration of more recent research and government statistics, the Second Edition offers expanded discussions of the work-family interface, same-sex
relationships, and feminist activism.
Kramer's style is highly readable, and the content is rich and varied. Each chapter features illustrations from everyday life. The book does not presume prior sociology coursework or a high level of statistical sophistication. Students will relate to the numerous real-world examples, brief
definitions, and the avoidance of unnecessarily specialized language.
More current examples have replaced those from the First Edition where appropriate.
A glossary, indices, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter add to the volume's accessibility--inviting the student to move from passive reading to active application.
Review
"Kramer has composed a concise, accurate, 'core' text on the sociology of gender. The information is reflective of the current state of the field, including scholarship at the forefront of the sociology of gender in the last five years (and earlier, as appropriate). The book is as close to perfectly organized as I believe we'll find."--Meg Wilkes Karraker, University of St. Thomas
Synopsis
In this "essentials" gender text, Laura Kramer presents an overview of basic sociological concepts and perspectives on gender in a concise, accessible format. With a focus on gender in the contemporary United States, Kramer draw on a rich historical background to explain the many complex shifts that have occurred within the gender system over time. She examines the macro-, middle-, and micro-level forces that propelled these changes. Furthermore, the text explores the interaction of social structure and culture to reveal how they have influenced men's and women's lives.
Throughout, the text investigates the changing definition of gender through the lenses of class and race/ethnicity. Current research and in-depth historical coverage ensure that students understand the dynamic nature of gender systems and the vital importance of social action.
The Sociology of Gender's explicitly sociological approach provides an alternative to--and critique of--biological and psychological approaches to gender and sexual orientation. To encourage critical thinking, Kramer analyzes both how and why biological and psychological approaches have become so popular.
A chapter on culture provides an in-depth examination of traditionally dominant versions of femininities and masculinities and how they are communicated through language, mass media, and religion. The concept of individual agency and resistance, introduced in the first chapter, resurfaces throughout in discussions of culture and socialization. The second edition also features expanded coverage of religion, education, same-sex relationships, and feminist activism.
A glossary and evocative discussion questions encourage students to interact with the material. Ideal for introductory sociology courses and other courses in sociology, The Sociology of Gender provides a relevant, comprehensive, and lively overview of this vibrant area of study.
Table of Contents
Preface, Judith Lorber
Foreword, Beth Hess
1. Introduction
What Is the Sociology of Gender?
Social Institutions and Social Change
The Development of Feminist Scholarship
Leading Perspectives
Feminist Methods of Inquiry
Technology and Social Change
Looking Ahead
Discussion Questions
2. Culture and Ideology
Ideologies of Gender
Situating Gender-Based Ideology Within Culture
Contemporary Ideologies of Gender
What About Race and Ethnicity?
Language and the Transmission of Culture
Mass Media and the Transmission of Culture
The Impact of the Mass Media
Religion and Gender
Knowledge Professionals
Biological and Medical Science
Culture, Social Structure, and Cultural Change
Summary
Discussion Questions
3. Learning and Doing Gender
Socialization
Socialization as Social Control
The Schema Model, Significant Others, and Individual Development
Gender in Childhood
Adolescence
Adulthood: Gender and Sexuality
Family and Occupational Roles
Social Change and Resocialization
Doing Gender
Social Interaction and the Everyday Negotiation of Gender
Gender and the Body
Summary
Discussion Questions
4. The Family and Intimate Relationships
A Social Group and a Social Institution
Patterns of Family Structure
The Importance of the Household and Family for Society
Emotional and Sexual Intimacy
Providing for the Household
Housework
Reproduction
Child Rearing
Caring for Kin
Technology and the Family
Violence in Intimate Relationships
Summary
Discussion Questions
5. Education
Schools: The Middle Level of Social Life
Formal Curricula and Instructional Materials
The Informal Curriculum
Academic Achievement
Higher Education
Fields of Study
Sexual Harassment in Education
Affirmative Action in Educational Institutions
Employment in Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Gender and Athletics
Summary
Discussion Questions
6. The Economy and Work
The New Political Economy
Ideology and the Economy
Economic Opportunities and Gender
Segregation at Work
Explaining the Segregation of Occupations and Jobs
Changing the Gendering of Work
Gender on the Job
Alternatives to Employment
Homelessness and Gender
Explaining Gendered Economics
Summary
Discussion Questions
7. The Political and Legal System
Political Life Is Dynamic
Feminist Activism: The Right to Vote
The Second Wave
The Third Wave
Men's Activism
Affirmative Action: Legal Change and Social Resistance
Activism Around Sexualities and Sex Identification
Thinking About Political Action
Economics and Politics
Gender Ideology and Social Control
Justice and Gender
Sex, Race, and Inequity
Technology and Public Policy
Summary
Discussion Questions
8. The Changing Gender System
A Changing Economy and a Changing Culture
An Ongoing Endeavor: Studying the Sociology of Gender
Discussion Questions