The Best of the Psychology of Women and Gender

Book review of Women and Gender: A Feminist Psychology (4th ed.), (see record 2004-21909-000), by Mary Crawford and Rhoda Unger, as reviewed by Margaret E. Madden. According to the reviewer, Women and Gender is among the most sophisticated psychology of women and gender textbooks in a field of very good books, with its strong theoretical base and thorough review of relevant research on the topics it covers. This fourth edition continues that sophistication and improves on it in significant ways, with, according to the authors, greater emphasis on the social constructionist perspective, shorter length and more student-friendly language, increased focus on social change, expanded multicultural coverage infused throughout, and more coverage of women's health. One of the book's strongest features is its use of four unifying themes, which represent major tenets of feminist theory: (a) Gender is not only biological sex but is also a system of power relations, a social cue, and stereotyped masculinity and femininity; (b) language and naming are sources or power; (c) women are not all alike; and (d) psychological research can foster social change. Reinforcement of these themes at the end of each chapter assures that students will remember them and unifies the book in a manner uncommon in psychology textbooks. In summary, the reviewer stated that Women and Gender is a conceptually sophisticated, thoroughly researched, and current review of the field. She found it a fascinating read, and is certain that instructors of psychology of women and gender courses, other psychology faculty and professionals, and students will as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)