Clear, comprehensive, and highly readable, Half the Human Experience presents a balanced perspective on multidisciplinary issues and provides an authoritative analysis of classical and current research from a feminist psychology viewpoint. Hyde examines the balance of cultural and biological similarities (and differences) between the genders, noting how these characteristics may affect issues of equality, and also how men and women behave towards one another. By putting into context the proliferation of research in the field and clearly explaining the relationship between gender and emotion, the author helps demystify the scientific process and study of feminist psychology. Students receive a strong foundation for understanding the influences of gender, race, and ethnicity on psychology and society, as well as strategies for thinking critically about pop culture versus academic feminism as it relates to psychology.

Table of Contents:
Note: Chapters 2-16 end with "In Conclusion." 1. Introduction Why Study the Psychology of Women? Sex, Gender, Sexism, and Feminism Is There a Psychology of Women? Sources of Sex Bias in Psychological Research Looking Ahead 2. Theoretical Perspectives Psychoanalytic Theory Variations on a Freudian Theme Sociobiology and Evolutionary Psychology Social Learning Theory Cognitive-Developmental Theory Gender Schema Theory Feminist Theories 3. Gender Stereotypes and Gender Differences Stereotypes, Real Differences, and the Nature-Nurture Issue Stereotype Threat Gender Differences Versus Individual Differences Meta-Analysis Aggressive Behavior Self-Esteem Activity Helping Behavior Anxiety Empathy Beyond Gender Stereotypes: Androgyny? Stages of Gender-Role Development 4. Women of Color Introduction An Ethnic/Cultural Critique of Psychological Research Cultural Heritages of Women of Color in the United States Gender Roles and Ethnicity Education Mental Health Issues Feminism and Women of Color 5. Gender and Language Gender Differences in Language Use Body Language: Nonverbal Communication How Women Are Treated in Language Some Practical Suggestions 6. Gender and Emotion Gender Stereotypes About Emotions Gender and Emotional Experience and Expression The Socialization of Gendered Emotions 7. From Infancy to Old Age: Development Across the Lifespan Infancy Childhood Adolescence Emerging Adulthood Middle Age Old Age 8. Abilities, Achievement, and Motivation Abilities Choosing Courses: Avoiding Math and Science The SAT Achievement Achievement Motivation Motive to Avoid Success Attributions: When a Woman Succeeds, Is It Just Luck? 9. Women and Work Stereotypes About Women and Work Sex Discrimination in the Workplace Occupational Segregation Work and Family Issues 10. Biological Influences on Women's Behavior Genes Basic Physiological Processes Sex Hormones The Brain 11. Psychology and Women's Health Issues Gender and Health Women and the Health Care System Menstruation Menopause Contraception Abortion Breast Cancer Women and HIV 12. Female Sexuality Physiology Common Fallacies The G-Spot? Psychological Aspects Gender, Race, and Sexuality Sexual Dysfunction and Therapy Gender Similarities 13. Lesbian and Bisexual Women Stereotypes and Discrimination Lesbian Culture Coming Out Mental Health Issues Theoretical Views Why Do Women Become Lesbian, Bi, or Straight? Differences Between Lesbians and Gay Men Lesbians and Ethnicity Bisexual Women 14. The Victimization of Women Rape Prevention and Treatment Battered Women Sexual Harassment Child Sexual Abuse 15. Women and Mental Health Issues Gender Ratios and Mental Health Depression Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Eating Disorders Sexism and Psychotherapy How Traditional Therapies Apply to Women New Therapies for Women New Directions 16. Psychology of Men Male Roles Traditional Psychology's View of Men and Masculinity A New View: Sex-Role Strain Lifespan Development Men of Color Health Issues Male Sexuality 17. Retrospect and Prospect Future Research Re-Visioning Theory Feminism Revisited Future Roles for Women Appendix: Psychology of Women Resource Directory Glossary Bibliography Credits Index