The Cambridge Handbook of the International Psychology of Women

Provides an overview of scientific evidence to inform global gender equality and the intersectionality of women's experiences.

Fanny M. Cheung (Edited by), Diane F. Halpern (Edited by)

9781108473033, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 August 2020

578 pages, 18 b/w illus. 10 tables
28.4 x 22.2 x 3.2 cm, 1.78 kg

'The book touches upon many layers of the 'psychology of women', creating opportunities to connect these discussions that empower the reader to explore and develop their own understanding of topics covered in an excellent way. It is a great achievement.' Gülsün Sa?lamer, President of the European Women Rectors Association, and Former Rector of Istanbul Technical University, Turkey

There is a growing knowledge base in understanding the differences and similarities between women and men, as well as the diversities among women and sexualities. Although genetic and biological characteristics define human beings conventionally as women and men, their experiences are contextualized in multiple dimensions in terms of gender, sexuality, class, age, ethnicity, and other social dimensions. Beyond the biological and genetic basis of gender differences, gender intersects with culture and other social locations which affect the socialization and development of women across their life span. This handbook provides a comprehensive and up-to-date resource to understand the intersectionality of gender differences, to dispel myths, and to examine gender-relevant as well as culturally relevant implications and appropriate interventions. Featuring a truly international mix of contributors, and incorporating cross-cultural research and comparative perspectives, this handbook will inform mainstream psychology of the international literature on the psychology of women and gender.

Part I. The Underpinnings of Sex and Gender and How to Study Them: 1. International and intersectional perspectives on the psychology of women
2. Feminist theory and methodologies: Crossing disciplinary boundaries
3. The contents and discontents of the nature-nurture debate
4. Sex, gender, and sexuality
5a. Sex differences on the brain: A networking perspective
5b. Sex/gender differences in the brain and their relationship to behavior
Part II. Developmental Perspectives of the International Psychology of Women: 6. Sex differences in early life: A cross-cultural perspective
7. Gender and adolescent development across cultures
8. Fertility, childbirth and parenting: defining sexual and gender relations
9. Three ways that ageing affects women differently from men: Menopause, changes in physical appearance and caregiving
Part III. Cognitive and Social Factors: 10. Sex, gender and intelligence: Does XX = XY for intelligence?
11. At the crossroads of women's experience: Insights from and intersections between motivation, emotion, gender, and culture
12. Gender and personality research in psychology: The need for intersectionality
13. Selfhood and self-construal
14. Cultural influences on body image and body esteem
15. The not so subtle and status quo maintaining nature of everyday sexism
16. A gendered light on empathy, prosocial behavior, and forgiveness
17. The impact of gender and culture in consumer behaviour
18. Evolutionary roots of women's aggression: Causes, contexts, and consequences
Part IV. Work and Family Issues: 19. Career development of women: An international perspective
20. The psychology of women in entrepreneurship: An international perspective
21. Women's leadership across cultures: Intersections, barriers, and leadership development
22. Occupational health psychology and women in Asian contexts
23. Work-family interface and crossover effects: Exploring for the effects of gender
24. Intimate relationships
25. Contextualizing the many faces of domestic violence: A focus on the global south
Part V. Inequality and Social Justice: 26. Girls, boys, and schools: On gender (in) equalities in education
27. Understanding gender inequality in poverty and social exclusion through a psychological lens: Scarcities, stereotypes, and suggestions
28. Understanding women's antisocial and criminal behavior: A global review
29. Sexual assault
30. Intercultural relationships, migrant women, and intersection of identities
Part VI. Health and Well-being: 31. Subjective well-being
32. Women under pressure: The intersection of stress and trauma with aspects of gender
33. Gender and women's sexual and reproductive health
34. Physical health: Women's sexual embodiment after cancer
35. Women and suicidal behavior: Paradigm-shift lessons from China
36. Sex and gender in psychopathology
37. Women and psychotherapy
Epilogue – Some Final Thoughts and Take-Home Messages: 38. Parting thoughts.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH], Psychology of gender [JMG], Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC], Gender studies: women [JFSJ1]