Gender Development

Gender Development is the first book to examine gender from a truly developmental perspective, and provides an up-to-date integrative review of theory and research.

Susan Golombok (Author), Robyn Fivush (Author)

9780521408622, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 January 1994

288 pages, 17 b/w illus.
23 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.44 kg

"...a very useful review of classic and current literature and research on gender development. Their focus is primarily on psychology and social psychology. The book covers gender development from prenatal processes, through play, friendship and intimate relationships, to school and work. Chapters include discussion of theoretical issues and summaries of theoretically relevant research. The authors write clearly and carefully without ignoring the complexities of their material. This work is unusual in that sexual orientation is discussed in the treatment of gender development and sexuality. The introduction contains excellent assessments of measurement isues and bias in gender research. The bibliography covers a range of Western European and American sources. " J.A. Brown, Choice

Gender Development is the first book to examine gender from a truly developmental perspective and fills a real need for a textbook and source book for college and graduate students, parents, teachers, researchers, and counsellors. It examines the processes involved in the development of gender, addressing such sensitive and complex questions as what causes males and females to be different and why they behave in different ways. The authors provide an up-to-date, integrative review of theory and research, tracing gender development from the moment of conception through adulthood and emphasising the complex interaction of biology, socialisation, and cognition. The topics covered include hormonal influences, moral development, play and friendships, experiences at school and work, and psychopathology.

1. Gender stereotypes and gender differences
2. Biological influences on gender difference
3. Psychological theories of gender difference
4. Gender differences in infancy
5. The development of gender concept
6. Boys and girls at play
7. Gender differences at school
8. Adolescence
9. Mothers and fathers
10. Overview.

Subject Areas: Child & developmental psychology [JMC]