
Embracing the Complexity of Gender
An Inclusive, Feminist, & Developmental Exploration
- 1st Edition - July 1, 2025
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Author: Emily Keener
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 6 4 8 6 - 0
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 3 6 4 8 7 - 7
Embracing the Complexity of Gender examines the heart of a modern gender revolution, exploring the dynamic and multifaceted nature of gender in contemporary society. Spurred by lan… Read more

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Request a sales quoteEmbracing the Complexity of Gender examines the heart of a modern gender revolution, exploring the dynamic and multifaceted nature of gender in contemporary society. Spurred by landmark events such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and the rise of transgender visibility, this revolution has ignited passionate debates and a heightened interest in understanding gender's complexities. From legal battles over all-gender bathrooms to corporate decisions challenging traditional gender norms, the discourse around gender has never been more vibrant or contentious. This book combines a developmental and intersectional feminist approach with accessible, engaging content.
By including discussion questions and clear definitions of key terms, the book ensures that complex ideas are understandable for readers at all levels. Drawing on psychological evidence and theoretical perspectives, this book challenges the gender binary and emphasizes the importance of social justice and inclusion.
By including discussion questions and clear definitions of key terms, the book ensures that complex ideas are understandable for readers at all levels. Drawing on psychological evidence and theoretical perspectives, this book challenges the gender binary and emphasizes the importance of social justice and inclusion.
- Defines lifespan developmental orientation, emphasizing the immediate context and broader socio-cultural influences on gender.
- Reviews gender development theories and their contributions to understanding contemporary approaches to gender identity and expression.
- Explores how overlapping identities—including sexual orientation, race, and socioeconomic status—shape gender identity and expression.
- Bridges theory with practical examples to make gender theory accessible and relevant to diverse real-world contexts.
- Features visually compelling graphics and models that clarify key concepts, enhance comprehension, and bring complex ideas to life.
Researchers and advance students in psychology, gender studies, Sexual orientation and gender diversity
Part 1:
1. Key Concepts in Multidimensional Gender Development
2. The Complexity Model of Gender: A Developmental Feminist & Ecological Approach
3. A Deeper Dive: Foundational Theories and Approaches
4. Past and Present: Psychology’s Understanding of Gender as Multidimensional
Part 2:
5. The Multidimensional Model of Gender Identity
6. Assessing Variations in Gender Identity
7. The Developmental Context: Cognitive/Gender Constructivism
8. The Developmental Context: Social/Gender Constructivisim
9. The Developmental Context: Biological/Gender Essentialism & Systems Approach
Part 3:
10. The Multidimensional Model of Gender Expression
11. Intra-Individual Variations: The Degree to which People Express Gender
12. Influences of Gender Expression: Norms and Contexts
13. The Developmental Context of Gender Expression
14. Complexities and Intersections
Part 4:
15. Gender Identity vs. Gender Expression: Independence vs. Interdependence
16. Applying the Complexity Model: Everywhere, Everything, All at Once
17. Conclusion
1. Key Concepts in Multidimensional Gender Development
2. The Complexity Model of Gender: A Developmental Feminist & Ecological Approach
3. A Deeper Dive: Foundational Theories and Approaches
4. Past and Present: Psychology’s Understanding of Gender as Multidimensional
Part 2:
5. The Multidimensional Model of Gender Identity
6. Assessing Variations in Gender Identity
7. The Developmental Context: Cognitive/Gender Constructivism
8. The Developmental Context: Social/Gender Constructivisim
9. The Developmental Context: Biological/Gender Essentialism & Systems Approach
Part 3:
10. The Multidimensional Model of Gender Expression
11. Intra-Individual Variations: The Degree to which People Express Gender
12. Influences of Gender Expression: Norms and Contexts
13. The Developmental Context of Gender Expression
14. Complexities and Intersections
Part 4:
15. Gender Identity vs. Gender Expression: Independence vs. Interdependence
16. Applying the Complexity Model: Everywhere, Everything, All at Once
17. Conclusion
- Edition: 1
- Published: July 1, 2025
- Imprint: Academic Press
- No. of pages: 300
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780443364860
- eBook ISBN: 9780443364877
EK
Emily Keener
Author Emily Keener has a PHD in lifespan developmental psychology from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in experimental psychology from Radford University. Dr. Keener regularly publishes and presents research on the psychology of gender and even co-edited an award-winning two-volume special issue on masculinity and femininity for Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. In addition to this scholarship, Dr. Keener teaches undergraduate courses on the topic of gender for psychology and gender studies students.
Affiliations and expertise
Psychology Department, Slippery Rock University, USA