ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins with a look at the difference between sex and gender. It explores the historical and methodological framework for understanding the psychology of women. The book focuses on three major themes such as the diversity of women's identities and experiences; gender differences in power; and social construction of gender. It explores interpersonal relationships of heterosexual and sexual minority women, physical and mental health concerns of White women and women of color, problems on campus and in the workplace faced by women with disabilities, and interpersonal issues of older women. The book examines theories that explain how children develop their ideas about gender and explores the processes of instilling a child with expectations about what it means to be a girl or boy. Finally, it looks at social influences on gender differences in aggression, friendship, and the division of household labor.
