Routledge Introduction to Gender: Social Science Perspectives

Thoroughly updated in this second edition, Introduction to Gender offers an interdisciplinary approach to the main themes and debates in gender studies. This comprehensive and contemporary text explores the idea of gender from the perspectives of history, sociology, social policy, anthropology, psychology, politics, pedagogy and geography and considers issues such as health and illness, work, family, crime and violence, and culture and media. Throughout the text, studies on masculinity are highlighted alongside essential feminist work, producing an integrated investigation of the field. Key features: A thematic structure provides a clear exploration of each debate without losing sight of the interconnections between disciplines. World in focus boxes and international case studies offer a broad global perspective on gender studies. In-text features and student exercises, including Controversy, A critical look and Stop and think boxes, allow the reader to engage in the debates and revise the material covered. Hotlinks throughout the text make connections between chapters, allowing the reader to follow the path of particular issues and debates between topics and disciplines. New to the second edition: A new chapter explores gender through the discipline of philosophy. A new section on international relations brings this relevant topic into focus. Current discussion on the language of gender across Europe is brought in to Chapter 1. A focus on Europe and Scandinavia as well as the UK gives the text a broader scope. Examples are updated throughout to ensure the text is cutting-edge and relevant. Introduction to Gender, second edition is highly relevant to today’s students across the social sciences and is an essential introduction for students of sociology, women’s studies and men’s studies. Review "Marchbank and Letherby's Introduction to Gender is a real treasure trove of a book – wide-ranging, global in span, well informed, and full of intriguing details. I especially liked the boxes on ‘A closer look’, ‘Controversy’, ‘World in focus’, and ‘Stop and think’ – which is what they made me do. In truth, this book is much more than just an introduction; it positively invites interaction and debate with what will be its many readers." Professor Jeff Hearn, Örebro University, Sweden; Hanken School of Economics, Finland; University of Huddersfield, UK "A welcomed second edition, which continues to provide a thorough and accessible overview of key debates in gender studies. For students encountering the academic analysis of gender for the first time, this text is an extremely useful resource. Highly recommended." Dr. Rachel Alsop, Lecturer in Gender Studies, University of Hull   "This revised and updated 2nd edition of an already established and valuable textbook is an accessible and innovative introduction to key contemporary issues in the field of gender. The book, enhanced by a more global perspective and attention paid to masculinity, ranges across the disciplines, including sociology, philosophy, policy, pedagogy and geography, as well as providing a thorough introduction to the concept of gender and methodology. This lively resource locates current issues in the context of education, health, work, sexuality, violence, crime, media and the family, and does so in a way which ensures students imaginatively engage, due to the easy to follow format and careful linking of themes. An invaluable text for undergraduates." Victoria Robinson, Director of Centre for Gender Research University of Sheffield, UK