Psychology and gender: An advanced reader By Sadhana AvinashNatu (Ed.), London: Routledge India. 2024. 222 pp. ₹1295. <scp>ISBN</scp> : 9781032518732

Psychology and Gender: An Advanced Reader by Sadhana Avinash Natu is a compelling volume that bridges psychology with gender studies, offering a nuanced and interdisciplinary examination of these interconnected fields. Natu's work is ambitious, tackling traditional psychological theories and infusing them with critical perspectives that illuminate the role of gender across caste, class, race, sexuality and other social strata. This book is a substantial contribution to contemporary psychology, emphasizing how cultural and social contexts shape individual experiences of gender. The book is structured into 10 chapters that meticulously contribute to an interdisciplinary approach to psychology, offering deep insights into the subject. Its appeal is further enhanced by its focus on South Asian contexts, making it particularly relevant for those engaged in Indian and South Asian studies, where gender issues intersect uniquely with cultural norms and historical legacies. The introductory chapter sets a strong foundation by explaining the differences between sex and gender, gender identity, gender roles and stereotypes. Natu introduces intersectionality – originally coined by Crenshaw (1989) – and aptly demonstrates its importance in psychology, especially when analysing gender (p. 13). The discussion of feminism, women's rights movements and their impacts both in Western and Indian contexts contextualizes these gendered experiences, effectively challenging readers to view psychology and gender through a non-universal, culturally sensitive lens. Notably, Natu addresses the resistance from men's rights groups to feminism, grounding this discourse within the framework of psychological and social power dynamics. Chapter 2 delves into various theories of gender role development, from biological to psychoanalytic, social learning and cognitive-developmental perspectives. Natu's critique of the biological approach highlights its limitations, emphasizing the need for more nuanced explanations. For instance, the analysis of psychoanalytic theory, with a focus on feminist critiques, encourages readers to reconsider entrenched psychological concepts that may perpetuate gender stereotypes (p. 27). Natu navigates these critiques skilfully, drawing on theorists such as Carol Gilligan (1982), whose work challenges Kohlberg's (1966) cognitive-developmental theory by emphasizing a more gender-sensitive approach to moral development (p. 30–31). Natu's consideration of both alpha bias (exaggerating gender differences) and beta bias (minimizing them) sheds light on the complexities of gender representation, providing a balanced view of the psychological landscape (p. 37). Chapter 3 focuses on interpersonal relationships, including friendships and romantic and intimate partnerships, emphasizing how gender influences these dynamics both within the household and in the workplace. Natu addresses the gendered aspects of violence within relationships, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of women and queer individuals, thereby reinforcing the importance of gender-sensitive psychological approaches. The chapter concludes with a discussion on fostering gender harmony, an idea that aligns with psychological well-being and equitable social interactions (p. 51). In Chapter 4, Natu traces gender's impact on individuals across different developmental stages, from infancy to old age. The discussion on son preference, prenatal discrimination and the resource allocation in families unpacks the complex ways gender biases manifest in family settings. Furthermore, Natu highlights the often-overlooked challenges of queer individuals, making the chapter inclusive and representative of diverse gendered experiences (p. 57). The detailed analysis of these life stages, coupled with references to real-life examples and studies, offers a comprehensive understanding of how gender shapes psychological development, choices and opportunities across a person's lifespan. Chapter 5 offers an in-depth look at the intersection of career development and gender, particularly the barriers faced by women, queer individuals and marginalized groups in educational and professional domains. Natu critiques traditional career development models, showcasing how they often ignore gendered experiences. She meticulously examines maternal employment challenges, the myth of incompatibility between motherhood and careers and the societal pressures that place limitations on women's professional growth. Additionally, Natu brings to light the psychological impact of these challenges, from workplace sexual harassment to the glass ceiling effect, addressing their implications for career advancement (p. 82). Her discussion extends to queer individuals and disabled persons, highlighting the compounded difficulties faced by those at these intersections. In Chapter 6, Natu tackles sexuality, examining the complex interplay between sexual orientation, gender and societal perceptions. This section is one of the book's most insightful, especially as it relates to the historical pathologization of queer identities within psychology. Natu critically assesses how diagnostic labels have harmed the queer community and calls for a deeper understanding of their psychological needs. She addresses the challenges queer individuals face in their relationships with their families, struggles associated with ‘coming out’ and the psychological impact of legal decisions like the decriminalization of Section 377 in India (p. 122). Chapter 7 critiques traditional psychotherapy models and illustrates the ways feminist and queer-affirmative therapies have evolved to address the limitations of conventional psychological practices. Natu provides compelling examples of how feminist practices in therapy, such as consciousness-raising groups and support systems, have redefined therapeutic goals and methods to be more inclusive. Her exploration of queer-affirmative therapy is similarly valuable, as it encourages practitioners to adopt more inclusive practices that are attuned to the specific challenges faced by queer clients (p. 139). In Chapter 8, Natu examines how gender biases permeate the field of psychology itself. She discusses the challenges that feminist and queer perspectives face in mainstream psychology, particularly regarding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the barriers to addressing women's mental health. This critique of institutionalized biases extends to issues like the cultural context of mental health, such as the stigma surrounding mental illness and societal expectations placed on men and women. Natu highlights less-visible narratives related to mental health, including possession and witch-hunts, offering readers insights into how gendered mental health issues are often overlooked. This chapter is a call for systemic reform in psychological organizations, advocating for gender-, caste- and queer-sensitive practices that promote equity and justice (p. 161–162). Chapter 9 analyses media representations of gender and sexuality, dissecting the effects of stereotypes on psychological well-being and socialization. Natu assesses the regressive and progressive portrayals of gender in the media, linking these portrayals to societal expectations and psychological outcomes. The discussion of body shaming, fat shaming and the impact of these representations on self-image is particularly significant (p. 179–180). This section underscores the urgent need for media literacy that incorporates an understanding of psychology and gender, equipping readers to critically evaluate the media's influence on individual and collective mindsets. Natu concludes the book by calling for a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to psychology, drawing connections between inequalities, mental health and gender. Her advocacy for a bio-psychosocial perspective that considers neurodiversity and embraces intersectional analysis is timely and impactful, especially in light of current social movements in India and beyond. One of the book's primary strengths is its interdisciplinary and multicultural approach. Natu successfully integrates insights from sociology, anthropology and feminist and queer studies to enrich her psychological analysis, making the book relevant for an interdisciplinary audience. Her use of intersectionality as a recurring theme allows for a comprehensive understanding of gender that moves beyond binary frameworks, catering to a more inclusive analysis that resonates with contemporary discussions in gender studies. The chapters on therapy (Chapter 7) and mental health (Chapter 8) stand out as significant contributions, particularly within the Indian context, where psychology has historically overlooked gender and caste-based disparities. By critiquing traditional psychotherapy and advocating for queer-affirmative and feminist therapies, Natu addresses a critical gap in the field and provides practical insights for mental health practitioners. The book's engagement with contemporary social movements, such as the queer movement, and its emphasis on South Asian contexts make it a valuable resource for understanding psychology and gender within non-Western frameworks. Natu's approach to topics like queer relationships, career challenges and caste-based discrimination is sensitive and well-informed, making her analysis both accessible and contextually relevant for readers in South Asia and beyond. While the book's breadth is impressive, its depth on certain complex theories, particularly biological and evolutionary psychology, may feel insufficient for advanced readers. These sections could benefit from more detailed critiques or from integrating findings from newer research that could counteract common criticisms and offer a balanced view. Similarly, while intersectionality is a core theme, there is limited engagement with how intersecting identities might alter psychological experiences on a deeper, individual level. For instance, more case studies or qualitative research might have provided a more grounded understanding of intersectionality's psychological impact. Overall, Psychology and Gender: An Advanced Reader by Sadhana Avinash Natu is a timely and critical resource that bridges psychology and gender studies with a focus on intersectionality, inclusivity and social justice. While the book might benefit from deeper empirical engagement and a more balanced critique of traditional psychology, its interdisciplinary approach and relevance to South Asian contexts make it a valuable addition to the literature. Natu's critique of gender biases within psychological theories, her advocacy for feminist and queer-affirmative therapies and her attention to marginalized communities provide readers with an enriched understanding of psychology that transcends conventional boundaries. This work is highly recommended for students, scholars, and practitioners looking to engage with a socially aware and gender-sensitive approach to psychology.