Summary
Contents
Subject index
NEW TO THIS EDITION: Updates in every chapter reflect current, cutting-edge theory and research, resulting in more than 400 new references. Additional real-life examples have been added to chapters to capture reader interest and help illustrate the concepts under discussion. Coverage of multiple, entirely new content areas includes brand new sections on romantic attraction and affiliation in initial encounters; E-courtship (attraction, courtship, and relationship formation in cyberspace); conflict termination; consensual non-monogamy and polyamorous relationships; bereavement and loss; specific components and features of passionate love; cyberstalking; and intimate partner violence. Updates in Chapter 4 (Marriage and Mate Selection) reflect recent changes in the legal status of same-sex marriage in the U.S. and worldwide, as well as new research on polygamy or plural marriage, cohabitation, and the recently-identified phenomenon of “stayovers” among partners in long-term romantic unions. Updated end-of-chapter discussion questions are ideal for in-class or take-home activities to encourage student involvement and active participation. KEY FEATURES: Comprehensive reviews of theory and empirical research on love, sex, and marriage from a variety of social and behavioral science literature highlights the links among these interrelated topics. A strong grounding in methodology and research design, including coverage of a number of measurement instruments for self-use or course-related research, helps students develop a true understanding of how to interpret empirical research findings. Student learning aids, such as tables and figures, chapter outlines, key terms and concepts, part openers, chapter summaries, recommended readings, and discussion questions, help students master key concepts.
Maleness and Femaleness
Maleness and Femaleness
Chapter Outline
Perhaps the most fundamental dimension along which we classify ourselves and our mates is that of maleness-femaleness. Biological sex refers to whether a person possesses the biological indicators of maleness or femaleness, which include sex chromosomes (XY or XX), sex hormone prevalence (level of androgens or estrogens), gonads (testes or ovaries), and internal and external genitalia (e.g., penis and vas deferens or clitoris and vagina). Thus, a person’s sex as “male” or “female” is a biological characteristic. A person’s psychological gender, on the other hand, is not a biological fact but refers broadly to whether he or she claims a masculine or feminine ...
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