Strengths Of and Features In This Book
We know how important it is to select the right book for you, your class, and your students.
Here are some of the strengths of our book as well as some of the features you’ll find within it
Written For Today’s Students
The book is written in an approachable and engaging style that is appropriate for all levels of undergraduate students. It includes topics of interest to and relevant for today’s college students. It reflects the current state of the feminist movement and incorporates coverage of tensions within feminism.
The book is also visually engaging with full-color images. The e-book has additional features of embedded videos to bring the content to life and Check Your Understanding questions written by us that provide feedback to students about both correct and incorrect answers.
Provides Foundational Knowledge For Students From Diverse Academic Backgrounds
Students in Psychology of Women and Gender classes often have diverse academic backgrounds. Some have a deep understanding of feminist theory. Others have significant training in psychology and research methods. Still others bring a background in both to the class. Some students have exposure to one, the other, or both, but don’t have significant training in either. Our book doesn’t assume that students have deep knowledge of feminist, feminist theory, or psychological research. The needed foundation is provided for all students in the first few chapters of the book making the class more approachable for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Grounded in Research and Reflecting The Shifting Focus Of The Field
Each chapter is grounded in contemporary research under the umbrella of the psychology of women and gender. Contemporary areas of research and theory are prominently featured throughout. These include self-objectification, self-sexualization, neurosexism, intensive parenting, and the glass cliff/escalator. We also highlight areas where current research is lacking or where knowledge remains unclear.
Uses An Intersectional Lens
The importance of considering intersecting aspects of social identities (e.g., race, class, and sexual orientation) and the role of structures and systems is integrated throughout each chapter rather than separated out at the end of chapters or sections. Students are encouraged to use an intersectional lens to both understand and critique the field, and they are provided with tools to help them do this.
Encourages Critical Thinking
Developing and refining critical thinking skills is a key part of college education. This is a central focus in our book. Deep processing is encouraged through the adoption of an SQ3R study technique. The fact that there are often not clear or simple answers is also highlighted in each chapter in “Empowering or Oppressing” breakout boxes. In these, students are challenged to see an arguments from multiple perspectives, thinking critically about the topic, and draw their own conclusions. Examples include discussion of reclaiming sexist words, wearing high heels, and engaging in sex work.
Integrated Discussion and Activity Prompts
In each chapter, there are “your turn” boxes where students are encouraged to more actively engage with class content. In these, students are encouraged to reflect of their own experiences or consider what they would do in different situations. In some, students are asked to do activities and/or have discussions with others. These features can be used as starting points for class discussions or the basis for activities and assignments.
Publisher-Supported Resources
Supplemental resources are available to instructors through the publisher’s website. These include PowerPoint slides, image files, a test bank, suggested class activities and discussion prompts, and suggestions for other online resources that can be used in class and/or shared with students.