The Psychology of Sex and Gender

The Psychology of Gender, Third Edition by Jennifer K. Bosson, Camille E. Buckner, and Joseph A. Vandello offers a comprehensive, applied examination of how sex and gender are understood, experienced, and studied within psychological science. Written for today’s classrooms, the Third Edition responds to rapid advances in research and to students’ increasing exposure to gender-related claims in everyday life by grounding discussion firmly in empirical evidence.

Substantially updated, the book integrates more than 750 new references, bringing readers into contact with the most current findings in gender psychology while remaining anchored in classic theories and foundational research. Coverage is intentionally balanced, giving equal attention to the experiences of people across sexes, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Intersectional and cross-cultural perspectives are used throughout to examine how social structures, power, and inequality shape gendered outcomes in applied contexts such as health, relationships, education, and work.

The Third Edition expands coverage of transgender and nonbinary identities to reflect the field’s growing body of empirical research and incorporates inclusive language consistent with contemporary disciplinary standards. Guided by best practices in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL), the book encourages careful evaluation of evidence, challenges common myths and misconceptions, and supports critical thinking through applied examples and real-world questions.

By combining up-to-date research, balanced representation, and research-informed pedagogy, The Psychology of Gender, Third Edition equips readers with the scientific tools needed to understand complex and often contested issues with clarity, rigor, and nuance—making it an essential resource for studying gender psychology today.