Gender: What Everyone Needs to Know? [Paperback]

Gender: What Everyone Needs to Knowis an introduction to the topic of gender that explores numerous debates and controversies (i.e., what is the influence of biology on gender, how does the media impact gender and gender roles, and do transgender people reinforce gender stereotypes or help to free us from them?). In an easy-to-read format that includes questions and short responses, the book guides the reader through basic definitions; the history of gender as a concept; the role of biology, psychology, and culture on gender; and gender norms over time and across the globe.The term gender was first distinguished from sex in the 1950s, when psychologists began to discuss the idea of gender roles --behaviors and responsibilities given to people by a society rather than flowing from their biology. Over the last two decades, transgender people have expanded our understanding of gender even further, introducing to the mainstream the concept of gender identity, an individual's understanding of their own gender. Along the way, there have been numerous debates and controversies (i.e., what is the influence of biology on gender, how does the media impact gender and gender roles, and do transgender people reinforce gender stereotypes or help to free us from them?).In an easy-to-read format that includes questions and short responses,Gender: What Everyone Needs to KnowRguides the reader through basic definitions; the history of gender as a concept; the role of biology, psychology, and culture on gender; and gender norms over time and across the globe.Chapter 1. Gender 101Chapter 2. The History of GenderChapter 3. Gender and BiologyChapter 4. Gender and PsychologyChapter 5. Gender, Society and BehaviorChapter 6. Contextualizing GenderChapter 7. The Future of GenderLaura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA, is a psychiatrist working with LGBTQ people in New York City. She is the editor ofTrans Bodies, Trans Selves, an award-winning resourcló›