The social psychology of gender: how power and intimacy shape gender relations

The book describes prevailing beliefs about the differences between men and women and examines the extent to which they are explicit or implicit (nonconscious). Chapters identify ways in which gender attitudes affect our expectations, judgments, feelings, and behavior. The rewards of conforming to stereotypes such as feminine "niceness" or masculine assertiveness-and the costs of deviating from them-are discussed. The volume also addresses the broader social impact of gender norms, particularly with regard to heterosexual relationships and the workplace, and highlights obstacles to attaining gender parity. Throughout, the authors emphasize that relations between men and women are complex, nuanced, and often ambivalent.--From the publisher.