Brain Gender

Do biological factors, such as gonadal hormones, determine our sexual destiny after our genes are in place? Do they make men aggressive, or women nurturing? Do they cause boys and girls to play differently or to have different interests? Do they explain differences in sexual orientation within each sex group? Do they contribute to the preponderance of men in science or women at home? Scientists working from a psychosocial perspective would answer these questions differently than those working from a behavioural neuroscience or neuroendocrinological perspective. This book brings both of these perspectives to bear on the questions, tracing the factors that influence the brain, beginning with testosterone and other hormones during prenatal life, and continuing through changing life situations and experiences that can sculpt the brain and its activity, even in adulthood. This influence has important implications for understanding the social roles of men and women in society, the different educational and emotional issues that confront males and females, the legal rights of those whose sexual orientation or gender identity do not correspond to norms, and even standards of clinical care for people born with physical intersex conditions that make it difficult to classify a person as male or female at birth. This original and accessible book will be of interest to psychologists, neuroscientists, paediatricians, and educators, as well as the general public. It is also suitable for use in graduate and undergraduate courses on the psychology of gender or on hormones and behaviour.

Brain Gender contains much thoughtful and measured information in a readable and interesting manner...[and] will make a much-needed contribution to the fields of psychology as well as gender studies. Feminism & Psychology, Vol 16, No 4 ... a remarkable book, a wonderful resource that belongs on one's bookshelf for frequent reference to the many times gender, sex, and brain questions come to mind ... well written, easy to read ... Tucked within the pages of this fascinating book are intriguing observations ... The author has done an excellent job of getting us to think about some of the most fundamental questions in the science of reproduction. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease ... one of the most complete, balanced, and readable accounts yet to appear on this topic ... Brain Gender can now be considered the leading reference book on sex differences in the brain ... At every point, Hines brings sophistication to the discussion ... this is the text I would recommend first to anyone wanting to learn more about this highly important area - which should be every neuroscientist. Archives of Neurology

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