Embracing the Complexity of Gender examines the heart of a modern gender revolution, exploring the dynamic and multifaceted nature of gender in contemporary society. Spurred by landmark events such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and the rise of transgender visibility, this revolution has ignited passionate debates and a heightened interest in understanding gender's complexities. From legal battles over all-gender bathrooms to corporate decisions challenging traditional gender norms, the discourse around gender has never been more vibrant or contentious. This book combines a developmental and intersectional feminist approach with accessible, engaging content.
By including discussion questions and clear definitions of key terms, the book ensures that complex ideas are understandable for readers at all levels. Drawing on psychological evidence and theoretical perspectives, this book challenges the gender binary and emphasizes the importance of social justice and inclusion.
Part 1: Overview and background
1. Laying the groundwork: terminology and key concepts in multidimensional
gender development
2. The Complexity Model of Gender: a developmental feminist and ecological
approach to understanding the complexity of gender identity and expression
3. A deeper dive: foundational theories and approaches
4. Past and present: psychologys understanding of gender as
multidimensional
Part 2: The complexity of gender identity
5. The multidimensional model of gender identity
6. Assessing variations in gender identity
7. The developmental context: cognitive and gender constructivism
8. Developmental context: social and gender environmentalism
9. The developmental context: biological and gender essentialism and
systems approaches
Part 3: The complexity of gender expression
10. The multidimensional model of gender expression
11. Intra-individual variations: the degree to which people express gender
12. Influences of gender expression: norms and contexts
13. The developmental context of gender expression
14. Complexities and intersections
Part 4: Connections and conclusions
15. Gender identity vs. gender expression: independence vs. interdependence
16. Applying the complexity model: Everywhere, Everything, All at Once
17. Conclusions
Author Emily Keener has a PHD in lifespan developmental psychology from West Virginia University and a masters degree in experimental psychology from Radford University. Dr. Keener regularly publishes and presents research on the psychology of gender and even co-edited an award-winning two-volume special issue on masculinity and femininity for Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. In addition to this scholarship, Dr. Keener teaches undergraduate courses on the topic of gender for psychology and gender studies students.
