Sex and Gender: A Biopsychological Approach

The second edition of this popular textbook provides a current and comprehensive understanding of sex and gender that incorporates biological, psychological, and social approaches. Using both scientific and feminist approaches in its analysis, this book shows how sex and gender can only be properly understood when taking into account biopsychological approaches and the interactions between these processes.

The first section discusses a biological analysis that includes evolutionary, cellular, and genetic processes. The second section considers a psychological and sociological analysis that discusses stereotypes, sexism, and theories of gender. The third section discusses current global challenges surrounding sex and gender, such as discrimination and religious and social oppression of various groups. The new edition has been thoroughly updated to include more discussion of gender identities such as nonbinary and gender fluid, as well as more coverages of global LGBTQIA+ rights and more global cultures and reproductive rights across the world.

Sex and Gender is an invaluable textbook that considers biological, psychological, and social processes as separate entities and interacting processes. It is an essential resource for students and instructors on courses relating to sex and gender, the psychology of gender, gender studies, and women’s studies who are looking for a thorough analysis of sex and gender studies.

Heidi R. Riggio, PhD, is a Social Psychologist and Professor of Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles. Teaching in Southern California since 1996, Dr. Riggio is an expert in family and intimate relationships, sexuality, political attitudes, critical thinking, and religiosity.