The Psychology of Gender and Culture Across the World ― Theories and Applications

This volume aims to synthesize cross-cultural research on gender within a psychological framework. It includes a wide collection of cultural and cross-cultural research on gender issues by researchers from more than twelve countries plus research from less visible parts of the world in terms of gender research, such as Africa, South America, and West Asia. The book is divided into three sections. The first two parts of the book takes readers on a journey to different regions of the world to illustrate the most recent trends in research concerning gender issues and outlines future prospects and present implications for the psychological analysis of both gender & culture. The last part of the book has an applied perspective and focuses on the cultural norms and values reinforcing gender equality as well as cultural and social barriers to them. They range from the visible and clearly significant to the hidden and seemingly minor, but each chapter present examples of interventions, built on the knowledge of certain mechanisms that could diminish the negative consequences of gender stereotypes and promote gender equality and social change. The book includes empirical and theoretical psychological examinations of gender equality, empowerment, the work-family balance, and the gender movement from different regions of the world. In doing so, it provides a coherent view of the multifaceted picture of contemporary femininity and masculinity. It presents etic (culture-universal) and emic (culture-specific) aspects of gender construction within a cross-cultural psychology framework. As such, this volume is a useful resource for those interested in gender studies, culture studies, cross cultural research, sociologists, psychologists, and anyone who is drawn to the studies of gender issues.

Saba Safdar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Guelph, Canada. She received her PhD in Social Psychology at York University. Natasza Kosakowska is a researcher and lecturer in the Division of Cross-Cultural Psychology and Psychology of Gender, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Poland. She received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Gdansk, Poland.