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The End of Gender

A Psychological Autopsy

• By Shari L. Thurer

• Price: $95.00
• Binding: Hardback (also available in Paperback)
• Pages: 242
• Published by: Routledge
• Publication Date: 28th June 2005
• ISBN: 978-0-415-92770-3

About the Book

Gender isn't what it used to be. Categories are collapsing. What was deviant for baby boomers has become mainstream for their offspring: like the coed who realizes she's bisexual but, after a period of adjustment, shrugs her shoulders and gets on with her otherwise mundane life. Gender as we once understood it is over, and gender-bending is the new beat. Men sport ponytails and earrings and teach nursery school; women flaunt tatoos and biceps and smoke cigars.

In The End of Gender, Shari L. Thurer argues that we are in the midst of a new sexual revolution. It is one where gender categories are blurring not just at the "fringes" of society, but in mainstream lifestyle, media, fashion, and art. So, why is this cultural phenomenon happening now? And what does it mean? In lively, non-technical language, and with sometimes surprising case studies from her 25 years as a psychologist, Thurer answers these questions, bridging complex postmodern theory with cutting edge psychoanalysis.

Reviews

"This erudite review of multiple enactments of gender in the wake of 'pomo,' or postmodern, theory is an impressive tour de force...A wide-ranging, intelligent analysis that can serve as an introduction to the issues while also making its own, unique contribution." -- ForeWord, November/December 2005

"This book is Thurer’s articulate and persuasive argument against the validity of unyielding sex and gender categories … The eyes of the clinician, academic and general reader will be opened on how to deconstruct the concepts of gender, sexual orientation, and sexuality through psychoanalytic, postmodern, and queer theories… The clever use of pop culture and engaging case presentations instantly pulls the reader in." -- Gregory M. Jones, Division 44 Newsletter, Spring 2007

"As I read the book, I found myself challenged, provoked and grateful… Her combination of irony, humor, empathy, conversational language, and accessible writing is irresistible, making this brilliant feat of scholarship a pleasure to read." Sharon K. Farber Division 39 Newsletter, Winter 2007

"This is a remarkable book. My head was spinning from the vast array of topics covered...this book is smart, witty, extremely far-ranging, and enormously complex. I am glad I read it." -- Ellen Cole, American Journal of Psychology, Fall 2007