Deceptive Distinctions: Sex, Gender, and the Social Order [Paperback]

Professor Cynthia Fuchs Epstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 25, 1990

In this important book a leading feminist scholar surveys and critiques gender research in a range of disciplines, showing how distinctions between the sexes are maintained by ideology and social controls.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

According to this survey, gender inequality is being perpetuated by beliefs that so-called masculine traits are superior to feminine traits and by women who allow their societal roles to be defined by men. PW praised this as "an outstanding synthesis of feminist scholarship."
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

An intelligent overview of gender research in sociology and related fields, this book goes further, presenting Epstein's own conviction that gender distinctions, and the resulting inequality of men and women, are not for the most part natural but are imposed by the social order. Epstein discusses biases as well as findings in studies of personality, biology, social structure, public policy, work, and family over two decades. Her excellent guide for students and scholars provides insight into the intellectual history of sociology. It will also fuel vigorous discussion, both in and out of the classroom, on the timely topic of gender. Mary Drake McFeely, Univ. of Georgia Libs., Athens
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 315 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; 1ts edition. edition (July 25, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300046944
• ISBN-13: 978-0300046946
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,890,983 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exploding Myths About Gender, March 13, 2001

By 

Cynthia F. Epstein (New York, N.Y. 10025, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deceptive Distinctions: Sex, Gender, and the Social Order (Paperback)

(Author's description)This book offers a critique of the views and research that men and women possess essentially different emotional and cognitive traits. In a critical review of scholarship from the social sciences, history and philosophy, the book shows how scientific and everyday practices emphasize differences between the sexes and neglect reports of similarities.The book investigates the domains of work, leisure, education, politics and religion, as well as the microdynamics of interpersonal behavior--speaking, touching, and the use of personal space.It suggests that the belief and practice in difference supports the existing power structure.