Deceptive Distinctions: Sex, Gender, and the Social Order

In this important book a leading feminist scholar surveys and critiques gender research in a range of disciplines, showing how distinctions between the sexes are maintained by ideology and social controls.
“A model of sociological common sense, as well as of scholarship…. Epstein addresses basic theoretical, methodological, and epistemological concerns that cut across most sociological specialties. This book is required reading by every gender sociologist…. It should be read as well by sociologists whose specialty is not gender, and especially by theorists of all stripes…. This is truly the capstone work of a mature scholar.” –Janet Saltzman Chafetz, Social Forces
“ Deceptive Distinctions really has two agendas. The first, based on a review of a wide range of scholarship, much of it quite recent, is to argue that men and women are overwhelmingly similar and that any differences between them are socially constructed. The second is to develop a sociology of knowledge in which the intellectual roots of scholarship on women serve as a case study. Epstein’s project is not only timely but ambitious as well.” –Naomi Gerstel, Women’s Review of Books
“In this sophisticated and incisive critique, Epstein ranges from sociobiology to linguistics and from politics to psychiatry to iterate her position that gender differences are often used to support the existing structure rather than to advance our understanding or expand our horizons.” –Carol C. Nadelson, M.D., American Journal of Psychiatry
“Epstein’s informative critique… makes clear [that] the position of women is not an isolated ‘problem’ but the inevitable result of a complex system of power, opportunity, and incentive. Epstein shows [how] dichotomous thinking still rules our lives…. By bringing together what sociology knows to the contrary, she has helped move society toward a solution.” –Beryl Lieff Benderley, Psychology Today
Co-published with the Russell Sage Foundation.