Featuring extensive revisions and updates, the Second Edition of The Sociology of Gender: An Introduction to Theory and Research presents an introductory overview of gender theory and research, and continues to offer a unique and compelling approach to one of the most important topics in the field of sociology. Features extensive revisions and updates, and incorporates recent cross-national research on gender Expands and develops frameworks introduced in first edition Treats gender as a multilevel system operating at the individual, interactional, and institutional levels Stresses conceptual and theoretical issues in the sociology of gender Offers an accessible yet intellectually sophisticated approach to current gender theory and research Includes pedagogical features designed to encourage critical thinking and debate

1 Introduction to the Sociology of Gender 1
Chapter Objectives 1
Introduction 2
Sociological Vantage Points 3
A Brief History of the Sociological Study of Gender 5
Defining Gender 8
Three Frameworks for Understanding Gender 16
Gender Matters 18
Who is to Blame? Understanding Gender Inequality 19
Chapter Summary 20
Further Reading 21
Key Terms 21
Critical Thinking Questions 21
Part I: Conceptual Approaches 23
2 The Gendered Person 25
Chapter Objectives 25
Sex Differences in Traits, Abilities, or Behavioral Dispositions 27
The Origins of Sex Differences 31
Environmental Explanations of Sex Differences: Becoming Gendered 36
Sex Differences and Social Policy: The Case of Mathematics Aptitude 50
Sex Differences and Gender Inequality 54
Chapter Summary 56
Further Reading 57
Key Terms 57
Critical Thinking Questions 58
3 Gender in Interaction and Institutions 59
Chapter Objectives 59
Interactionist Views of Gender 60
Gendered Organizations/Gendered Institutions 86
Toward a Multilayered Conception of Gender 92
Chapter Summary 92
Further Reading 93
Key Terms 93
Critical Thinking Questions 94
Part II: Gender in Context 95
4 Work and Family as Gendered Institutions 97
Chapter Objectives 97
The Division of Labor 98
Work, Family, and Gender in the Industrial Age 100
A Half-Century of Gender Change: Work, Education, and Gender Egalitarian Beliefs 105
Changes in Gender, Family, and Caregiving 112
Gender, Work, and Family: The Roles of Social Policy and the State 122
Gender, Work, and Family in the Twenty-First Century: Looking Ahead 126
Chapter Summary 130
Further Reading 132
Key Terms 132
Critical Thinking Questions 132
5 Gender, Childhood, and Family Life 135
Chapter Objectives 135
Parents' Preferences for Children's Sex 136
"Is it a Boy or a Girl?": Gender Construction in Families 137
Childhood and the Importance of Same-Gender Peers 154
Gender Socialization in Childhood Reconsidered 158
The Household Division of Labor and the Family 159
Explaining Women's and Men's Involvement in Household Work and Childcare 165
Lesbian and Gay Families Rewriting Family Life 174
Marriage, Families, and Their Consequences for Women and Men 175
Chapter Summary 185
Further Reading 187
Key Terms 187
Critical Thinking Questions 188
6 Gendered Jobs and Gendered Workers 189
Chapter Objectives 189
Sex Segregation and the Division of Labor in Paid Work 190
Explaining Sex Segregation 198
Gender Typing of Jobs, Hierarchies, and Workplace Expectations 203
The Gender Pay Gap 213
Explaining the Gender Pay Gap 217
Chapter Summary 220
Further Reading 221
Key Terms 222
Critical Thinking Questions 222
Part III: Epilogue 223
7 Deconstructing Gender Differences and Inequalities 225
Chapter Objectives 225
Gender Distinctions and Gender Inequalities 227
The Reproduction of Gender Inequality 229
Challenging Gender Inequality 236
Making Gender Matter Less 240
Chapter Summary 241
Further Reading 242
Key Terms 242
Critical Thinking Questions 243
References 245
Index 265