Gendered Situations, Gendered Selves: A Gender Lens on Social Psychology(Gender Lens)

The second edition of Gendered Situations, Gendered Selves has been updated throughout, and is an ideal introduction to the discussion of gender in social psychology. The book examines the basic underpinnings of everyday interaction: from how we think, to who we see ourselves and others to be, to how we interact with others. Each of these processes is based on both social psychology and gender (as differentiated from sex), as well as our racial backgrounds, ethnic heritages, socioeconomic circumstances, sexualities, and national histories. The authors present and critique each of the major theories of social psychology, social exchange, social cognition, and symbolic interaction. In doing so, the book introduces a full array of key concepts in social psychology—perception, stereotyping, attribution, self-presentation, impression management, defining social situations, exchanging resources, and balancing power and dependence in social relations. The book also discusses two fundamental aspects of human behavior—the dynamics of helping and harming. The second edition incorporates discussions of contemporary psychological and sociological research and features powerful new examples, including 9/11 and the election of Barack Obama.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Defining Social Psychology and Gender What is Social Psychology? Social Psychological Theories What is Gender? Crosscutting Social Positions A Gender Lens Chapter 2: Conceptions of Gender in Social Psychology Essentialist Approaches Socialization Approaches Social Constructionist Approaches Structural Approaches Conclusions Chapter 3: Social Exchange and Related Theories Behaviorism Social Learning Theory Social Exchange Theory Conclusions Chapter 4: Social Cognition The Organization of Thought Thinking: Processing Information Constructing Gender: Behavior and Cognition Conclusions: Social Cognition on Gender Chapter 5: Symbolic Interactionism The Tools of Symbolic Interactionism Who are We? Self and Identity Gendered Selves and Identities Presenting Selves in Interaction Interactional Repairs Self-Presentation and Social Structure Resistance and Negotiation Conclusions Chapter 6: Altruism and Aggression: Gendered Dynamics of Helping and Harming Others Definitions Social Psychological Explanations of Altruism and Aggression Structural Patterns of Helping and Aggression Coda: Helping and Harming-Lessons from Aggression Chapter 7: Conclusions - Reprising a Gender Lens on Social Psychology A Case in Point Traces of Social Psychological Theories Approaches to Gender Final Messages for the Reader References Author Index Subject Index About the Authors

About the Author :
Jocelyn A. Hollander is associate professor of sociology at the University of Oregon. Daniel Renfrow is assistant professor of sociology at Wells College. Judith A. Howard is Divisional Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington.

Review :
Academic theories come alive, classic studies are given new relevance and the social complexity of gender is illuminated in new ways. This social psychology text will engage students and teachers in a compelling conversation about the dominant forces that organize our social world, shape our identities and structure our most intimate thoughts. This work is an excellent analysis of the necessity of a 'gender lens' for understanding the behavior of individuals in the social context in which they live. Praise for the first edition: This very interesting book is filled with adept summarizations and shrewd insights, and anyone interested in social psychology would be well advised to read it. In sum, this book presents a thorough view of the discussion of gender in social psychology. It is a welcomed addition to contemporary works on gender in sociology and psychology, and anyone with an interest in the social psychology of gender would find this book useful in outlining key insights into gender from social psychological theories and research. The book would work particularly well for students new to sociology, psychology or social psychology of gender. The authors' astute analysis of the strengths and limitations of social psychological perspectives, but also the complementary nature of them, encourages students to move beyond a face-value approach and critically think and evaluate the principles and applications in social psychology. The authors' detailed explanations of key concepts and theories and their use of broad-ranging examples also make the content accessible and easy to comprehend. This book presents a thorough view of the discussion of gender in social psychology. It is a welcomed addition to contemporary works on gender in sociology and psychology, and anyone with an interest in the social psychology of gender would find this book useful in outlining key insights into gender from social psychological theories and research. At the conclusion of the book, the authors suggest a number of questions that one should consider when approaching social psychological research. The critical eye with which the authors present theories and research makes this a fitting selection for teachers and students seeking an engaging analytical view of social psychology.