Gender /

Bradley (Univ. of Bristol) provides a thought-provoking look at the very complex and complicated applications of gender and "gendering" through history, and how changing feminist perspectives interpret and use gender differently. The author is also able to integrate these perspectives in such a way that points of applicability are clearly evident without making one theory necessarily dominant over all others. This is quite a feat. Not only does Bradley provide definitions and descriptions of difficult theory (e.g., postmodernism, poststructuralism, modernity, Marxism, radical feminism, etc.) in an understanding and relevant way, she also applies them through the "everyday vignettes" sections following each major chapter. This makes the theory real and applicable in ways that other books on the subject fail to achieve. The result is that individuals schooled in the subject as well as those new to gender have much to reap from the text. Another refreshing aspect surrounds Bradley's ability to state her point of view without exacerbating the oppositional binaries. This book compares much more favorably than other current books on gender, such as On the Origins of Gender Inequality (CH, Feb'08, 45-3506), by Joan Huber. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. K. M. Jamieson Ashland University