Eleanor E. Maccoby Book order

Eleanor Maccoby is an American psychologist recognized for her research and scholarly contributions to the field of child and family psychology. The American Psychological Association listed Eleanor Maccoby as among the 100 most eminent psychologists of the 20th century. Throughout her career she studied developmental psychology, specifically, sex differences, gender development, gender differentiation, parent-child relations, child development, and social development from the child perspective. Her memoir traces her formative years in Tacoma, Washington, her college years, the early years of marriage to Nathan Maccoby, their lives through the years of World War II, graduate school at Michigan, the move to Massachusetts, the adoption of their three children, and the move to Stanford. The memoir describes the professional work that has brought her renown.

How does gender shape our identities beyond anatomical differences? This exploration delves into how individuals express their sexual identity throughout life stages. The author, a distinguished psychologist, investigates the impact of gender on development from infancy to adulthood. A key argument is that gender differences primarily manifest in social contexts. During childhood, boys and girls often form same-sex groups, leading to distinct cultures with unique agendas. The book examines the reasons behind this segregation and the evolution of these groups. Drawing on her research and studies from other scholars, the author identifies a complex interplay of biological, cognitive, and social factors that contribute to gender segregation and group differentiation. A significant finding is that childhood experiences in same-sex groups profoundly shape adult relationships—whether as lovers, coworkers, or parents. The author illustrates how men and women draw on both childhood experiences and new elements from adult life in constructing these relationships. Finally, the work considers the implications of social changes in gender roles, highlighting the constraints and opportunities present in childhood same-sex and cross-sex relationships.

"Adolescents after Divorce" follows children from 1,100 divorcing families to discover how they are faring. Focusing on a period beginning four years after the divorce, the authors have the articulate, often insightful help of their subjects in exploring the altered conditions of their lives. A gold mine of information on a topic that touches so many Americans, this study will be crucial for researchers, counselors, lawyers, judges, and parents.