Gendering Bodies

(Paperback)

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Description

Gendering Bodies explains how the social world shapes our physical bodies and how our bodies shape the social world. In this remarkable investigation into contemporary ideas of gender, sociologists Crawley, Foley, and Shehan argue that bodies are constantly being gendered, or encouraged to participate in (heterosexual) gender conformity. This engendering influences nutrition practices, work and employment choices, dieting, working out, cosmetic surgery, sexual practices, and training-or lack thereof-in sports or fitness. This is an accessible, yet comprehensive, sociological inquiry into a theory of the gendered body.

Reviews

The authors position this book as an account that will be equally useful for undergraduate students and academic researchers. Recommended. * Choice Reviews *
Gendering Bodies is a clear, engaging, and exciting book that will make you stop and consider the construction of the world around you.... The authors communicate a strong passion for helping students understand the complexities of gender in contemporary American society.... The authors do an expert job of presenting complex and theoretical arguments in a way that students will be able to digest and understand.... Students will appreciate that, unlike in many textbooks, these authors are willing to talk about their own experiences.... This book is an excellent guide and translator for sometimes hard-to-manage concepts in post-modern and feminist discourse.... Gendering Bodies will energize students to see just how much of our everyday lives and cultural notions of gender are played out on the body. * Feminist Teacher *
Gender is embodied; bodies are gendered. While many have insisted on a more corporeal understanding of gender's bodies and the body's genders, Gendering Bodies finally sorts out this basic, but often difficult relationship. Gracefully written, theoretically astute, and sprinkled with accessible anecdotes, Gendering Bodies will be an instant hit in and out of classrooms around the country. -- Michael Kimmel, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, Stony Brook University

Author Bio

Sara L. Crawley is associate professor of women's studies at the University of South Florida.

Lara J. Foley is associate professor chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Tulsa.

Constance L. Shehan is professor and chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Florida.