Gender Stories: Negotiating Identity in a Binary World

Essential for anyone who seeks to understand the contemporary gender landscape, Gender Stories defines gender as the socially constructed meanings that are assigned to bodies. The book helps readers navigate issues of gender by introducing them to the ubiquitous gender binary, the problems with much of the research on gender differences, and the variety of gender stories in popular culture.

At the heart of the book is a description of the process of becoming a gendered person through crafting and performing gender stories. Because each gender performance is unique, a virtually unlimited number of genders exists not just two, as the gender binary would have us believe. The same multiplicity that characterizes the gender landscape characterizes the individual, who typically changes gender multiple times a day and across the lifespan. In Gender Stories, personal gender performances are framed within a philosophy of choice. Readers are encouraged to become more conscious of the choices they have in constructing their gender identities and to allow others the same choice by respecting their gender performances. Readers will easily find a place for themselves in the book, regardless of their views on gender, because one perspective on gender is not presented as the right one. Gender Stories affirms and legitimizes diverse perspectives as providing more comprehensive knowledge about gender for everyone. Not-for-sale instructor resource material available to college and university faculty only; contact publisher directly.

Title of related interest from Waveland Press: Borisoff-Chesebro, Communicating Power and Gender (ISBN 9781577666905).

"The authors of Gender Stories contend that identity should not be based on the dual notion of men and women; rather, it should acknowledge the process by which individuals construct their genders, resulting in a virtually infinite number of gender stories and performances—not just the two that the gender binary prescribes." --Feminist Review

"I love the personal, approachable writing style that acknowledges the diversity of beliefs and experiences of a gender studies classroom. Additionally, the cultural references are current and vivid. This will be an incredibly helpful guide for my students as they analyze cultural texts for their gendered assumptions." --Rebecca Richards, St. Olaf College

"The text is something that students will feel motivated to read. The approach is holistic, and all perspectives are valued and represented in some way. While the authors challenge the gender binary, they are not forceful; rather, they welcome discourse about the topic. The invitational approach is refreshing and it aligns with my teaching philosophy." --Julianna Kirschner, California State University, Northridge