White/European Americans and Gender

The psychology of gender requires careful consideration of the impact of the social construction of Whiteness on gendered identity, role expectations, and behaviors for White women and White men. Whiteness and gender represent two intertwined concepts that affect lived experiences and outcomes for individuals who fall within the group categorized and perceived as White in the United States. Within what many feminist psychologists refer to as systemic White supremacist patriarchy, this particular intersection of gender with the advantaged racial group deserves critical analysis. This entry reviews the definition of Whiteness and related concepts, discusses examples of common interactions of gender with Whiteness and White privilege, and considers intersections with additional forms of identity and oppression. The final section provides suggestions for future research and educational ...