Physical Appearance and Gender

Linda A. Jackson is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University.

"This work is a much needed addition to the literature on the psychology of women. As an instructor of courses in psychology of women, sex and gender, as well as the introduction to women's studies, I have spent a considerable amount of class time discussing feminist analyses of beauty and physical attractiveness. There hasn't been, to date, a text I believed I could use to supplement the material—until Dr. Jackson's. The book is well-conceptualized, well-organized and well-written. The references are terrific. I have already updated my presentations based on the information in this text." — Michele A. Paludi, Hunter College"This is the first genuine attempt to discuss and analyze gender differences. That, in itself, makes it an important and significant work. It is a highly analytic textbook which reflects the most scholastic effort undertaken to compare competing theories in understanding physical appearance and gender differences. It provides an excellent model for others to emulate in the continuing study of physical appearance." — Gerald R. Adams, Professor and Chair, Department of Family Studies, University of Guelph

• List of Tables and Figures Preface Acknowledgments 1 Introduction 2 Theoretical Perspectives on the Gender-Appearance Relationship: The Sociobiological and Sociocultural Perspectives 3 Gender and the Interpersonal Implications of Facial Appearance 4 Gender and the Professional Implications of Facial Appearance 5 Gender and the Societal Implications of Facial Appearance 6 The Personal Consequences of Facial Appearance for Females and Males 7 Gender and the Implications of Body Appearance 8 The Personal Consequences of Body Appearance for Females and Males 9 Gender and the Importance of Physical Appearance: Some Conclusions Notes References Subject Index Author Index