The Cambridge Handbook of the International Psychology of Women: (Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology)

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.

Table of Contents:
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.

About the Author :
Fanny M. Cheung is Choh-ming Li Professor of Psychology and Vice-President (Research) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is also the Founding Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission in Hong Kong and is widely recognized for her life-long advocacy for gender equality. Diane F. Halpern is Emerita Dean of Social Science at the Minerva Schools for the Keck Graduate Institute and McElwee Family Professor of Psychology at Claremont McKenna College, California. She has won many awards, including the James Cattell Fellow Award from the Association for Psychological Science and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Western Psychological Association.

Review :
'This fascinating handbook clearly lays out international perspectives and presents a variety of women's experiences across multicultural contexts. It also challenges mainstream psychology and its traditional assumptions of the universality in psychological theories. This volume is a must-have!' Christine Roland-Lévy, President, International Association of Applied Psychology 'This is a timely volume that pierces the invisible ceiling in psychology, where the majority are women but men – the minority – tend to dominate in every sphere. It contributes significantly to achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal #5 of gender equality in a skewed discipline, enabling the empowerment of women and encouraging girls to enter psychology.' Saths Cooper, Past President, International Union of Psychological Science, and Extraordinary Professor, University of Pretoria, South Africa '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 Sağlamer, President of the European Women Rectors Association, and Former Rector of Istanbul Technical University, Turkey