The Sociology of Gender: A Brief Introduction

By Laura Kramer

Book Overview

In this "essentials" gender text, Laura Kramer presents an overview of basic sociological concepts and perspectives on gender in a concise, accessible format. With a focus on gender in the contemporary United States, Kramer draw on a rich historical background to explain the many complex shifts that have occurred within the gender system over time. She examines the macro-, middle-, and micro-level forces that propelled these changes. Furthermore, the text explores the interaction of social structure and culture to reveal how they have influenced men's and women's lives.

Throughout, the text investigates the changing definition of gender through the lenses of class and race/ethnicity. Current research and in-depth historical coverage ensure that students understand the dynamic nature of gender systems and the vital importance of social action.

The Sociology of Gender's explicitly sociological approach provides an alternative to--and critique of--biological and psychological approaches to gender and sexual orientation. To encourage critical thinking, Kramer analyzes both how and why biological and psychological approaches have become so popular.

A chapter on culture provides an in-depth examination of traditionally dominant versions of femininities and masculinities and how they are communicated through language, mass media, and religion. The concept of individual agency and resistance, introduced in the first chapter, resurfaces throughout in discussions of culture and socialization. The second edition also features expanded coverage of religion, education, same-sex relationships, and feminist activism.

A glossary and evocative discussion questions encourage students to interact with the material. Ideal for introductory sociology courses and other courses in sociology, The Sociology of Gender provides a relevant, comprehensive, and lively overview of this vibrant area of study.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195330285
• ISBN13: 9780195330281
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.9" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Student Purchase

Purchased Textbook as part of required books for college. Great deal.

Powerful, passionate, and compelling

In this book aimed mainly at undergraduates, Laura Kramer writes with compassion & understanding about the sociology of gender. Although she favors a multiracial feminist perspective, she sympathetically reviews other leading perspectives on gender, including radical, socialist, postmodernist, and liberal feminism. For each issue she addresses, she shows how other perspectives shed light on a different piece of the puzzle.A great strength of the book is Kramer's historical perspective on gender issues. She notes that we are now in the "third wave" of feminist activism, and she shows how definitions of "problems" and "solutions" have changed over the past 100 years. "Femininity" and "masculinity" are not fixed categories but rather have evolved as American culture and social structure have changed. Underlying much of her analysis is the assumption that economic forces, especially changing employment opportunities, account for a great deal of the change in gender ideology and politics.Students will find the 5 page glossary of key terms and the 16 page references section invaluable for further research. Each chapter ends with 3 discussion questions. Non-students will learn much from Kramer's lucid explanations and detailed examples. She cares deeply about the issues in this book, and it shows.