Introducing Gender and Women's Studies
6th Edition
Published on 28. May 2026
Book
Hardback
408 pages
978-1-350-60516-9 (ISBN)
Description
The sixth edition of this leading textbook provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of key issues and debates in gender and women's studies. With fully revised chapters written by specialists across a range of core topics including sexuality, race, bodies, family, masculinity, methodologies and migration, this is a student-friendly yet rigorous survey of the key concepts and contemporary debates in the field. It provides helpful examples to illustrate how gender theories relate to current societal issues, thoughtful questions to guide revision, and further reading to help students explore the topics in greater depth.
Furthermore, the book continues to reflect the shift from women's studies to gender studies. It incorporates coverage of masculinities throughout, as well as engaging with live debates such as trans rights, global activism, and the environment. This is an essential textbook for students, academics and anyone interested in this lively field.
New to this Edition:
- Expanded coverage of gender-based violence, masculinities, migration, and the impact of the climate crisis
- New coverage of division overs trans rights, the rise of opposition to gender and sexual equalities around the globe, and digital and social media issues
- Greater attention to intersectional approaches and international reach
- New pedagogy to help students apply gender theories in practice, and a new glossary to help students get to grips with new concepts and terminology.
Furthermore, the book continues to reflect the shift from women's studies to gender studies. It incorporates coverage of masculinities throughout, as well as engaging with live debates such as trans rights, global activism, and the environment. This is an essential textbook for students, academics and anyone interested in this lively field.
New to this Edition:
- Expanded coverage of gender-based violence, masculinities, migration, and the impact of the climate crisis
- New coverage of division overs trans rights, the rise of opposition to gender and sexual equalities around the globe, and digital and social media issues
- Greater attention to intersectional approaches and international reach
- New pedagogy to help students apply gender theories in practice, and a new glossary to help students get to grips with new concepts and terminology.
Reviews / Votes
This updated, comprehensive overview of gender and women's studies will be extremely useful to students seeking a clear introduction to the wide range of debates and insights in this important field. * Sylvia Walby, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK * For more than three decades, Introducing Gender and Women's Studies has been a touchstone for feminist classrooms around the world. The sixth edition continues that legacy through current, intersectional, and indispensable chapters for anyone teaching or studying gender, sexuality, and social justice. * Rachel Loewen Walker, University of Saskatchewan, Canada * A warm welcome to the 6th edition of Introducing Gender and Women's Studies. In the present context of political assaults on women and gender diversity, this text is a valuable recognition of the many inequalities of gender still to be addressed. * Mary Evans, The London School of Economics and Political Science, UK * This updated edition of Introducing Gender and Women's Studies is distinctive for the range of subjects it covers, its approachable style, and its commitment to decentering dominant knowledge frameworks. It is a valuable guide for anyone studying, teaching, or researching gender and sexuality in the current challenging global climate. * Maki Kimura, University College London * This volume offers a comprehensive exploration of key themes and issues in gender and women's studies. It encourages critical thinking and fosters a deeper understanding of gender dynamics, intersectionality and social justice. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand gender inequalities and gender studies, as well as its current challenges. * Ulrike Ziemer, University of Winchester, UK *More details
Edition
6th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 250 mm
Width: 175 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
880 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-60516-9 (9781350605169)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Diane Richardson is Emerita Professor of Sociology at Newcastle University, UK, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. She works in the areas of feminism and the sociological study of gender and sexualities. Her books include Sexuality and Citizenship (Polity Press, 2017), Intersections between Feminism and Queer Theory
(co-edited with J. McLaughlin and M. E. Casey; Palgrave Macmillan, 2012), Sexuality, Equality and Diversity (with S. Monro; Palgrave Macmillan, 2012), and Rethinking Sexuality (Sage, 2000). With Vicki Robinson, she is co-editor of Palgrave Macmillan's International book series Genders and Sexualities in the Social Sciences.
Victoria Robinson is Emerita Professor of Sociology at the University of York, UK
(co-edited with J. McLaughlin and M. E. Casey; Palgrave Macmillan, 2012), Sexuality, Equality and Diversity (with S. Monro; Palgrave Macmillan, 2012), and Rethinking Sexuality (Sage, 2000). With Vicki Robinson, she is co-editor of Palgrave Macmillan's International book series Genders and Sexualities in the Social Sciences.
Victoria Robinson is Emerita Professor of Sociology at the University of York, UK
Content
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Note on Contributors
Introduction: Victoria Robinson, (University of York, UK) and Diane Richardson (Newcastle University, UK)
1. Understanding Gender: Diane Richardson (Newcastle University, UK)
2. Feminist Theories: Sally Hines (University of Sheffield, UK)
3. Feminist Activism and Gender Politics: Nickie Charles (University of Warwick, UK)
4. Gender Sensitive Method/ologies: Gayle Letherby (University of Plymouth, UK)
5. Gender and Sexuality: Manuela Lavinas Picq (Amherst College, UK) and Momin Rahman (Trent University, Canada)
6. Gender and Race: Nisha Kapoor (University of Warwick, UK)
7. Masculinity Studies, Gender Relations and Feminism: Rachel Alsop (University of York, UK) and Victoria Robinson (University of York, UK)
8. Gendered Bodies: Sexed Lives: Kath Woodward (Open University, UK)
9. Violence Against Women: Liz Kelly
10. Gender and Migration: Maggie O'Neill (University College Cork, Ireland) and Alison Jobe (Durham University, UK)
11. Gender, Popular Culture and the Media: Ruth Holliday (University of Leeds, UK) and Jessica Martin (University of Leeds, UK)
12. Families, Domesticity and Intimacy: Changing Relationships in Changing Times: Stevi Jackson (University of York, UK)
13. Gender and Environment: Susan Buckingham
14. Gender and Education: Carolyn Jackson (Lancaster University, UK)
15. Gender, Work and Employment: Kate Huppatz (Western Sydney University, Australia)
Glossary
References
Index
Acknowledgements
Note on Contributors
Introduction: Victoria Robinson, (University of York, UK) and Diane Richardson (Newcastle University, UK)
1. Understanding Gender: Diane Richardson (Newcastle University, UK)
2. Feminist Theories: Sally Hines (University of Sheffield, UK)
3. Feminist Activism and Gender Politics: Nickie Charles (University of Warwick, UK)
4. Gender Sensitive Method/ologies: Gayle Letherby (University of Plymouth, UK)
5. Gender and Sexuality: Manuela Lavinas Picq (Amherst College, UK) and Momin Rahman (Trent University, Canada)
6. Gender and Race: Nisha Kapoor (University of Warwick, UK)
7. Masculinity Studies, Gender Relations and Feminism: Rachel Alsop (University of York, UK) and Victoria Robinson (University of York, UK)
8. Gendered Bodies: Sexed Lives: Kath Woodward (Open University, UK)
9. Violence Against Women: Liz Kelly
10. Gender and Migration: Maggie O'Neill (University College Cork, Ireland) and Alison Jobe (Durham University, UK)
11. Gender, Popular Culture and the Media: Ruth Holliday (University of Leeds, UK) and Jessica Martin (University of Leeds, UK)
12. Families, Domesticity and Intimacy: Changing Relationships in Changing Times: Stevi Jackson (University of York, UK)
13. Gender and Environment: Susan Buckingham
14. Gender and Education: Carolyn Jackson (Lancaster University, UK)
15. Gender, Work and Employment: Kate Huppatz (Western Sydney University, Australia)
Glossary
References
Index