Gender Stereotypes Case Studies, Policies and Theoretical Approaches

The edited volume aims at presenting the various forms of stereotyping. As a matter of fact, such logical inclination is not only perpetrated through common sense and public discourse, but also through regulation and various ethical practices. Law and politics, indeed, can have a relevant function in preventing the diffusion of bad and wrong gender stereotypes.

"Stereotypes have been and remain a notion central to feminist/ gender inquiry. This edited volume brings forth original perspectives from a wide range of scholars from multiple and diverse angles. The editors, Condello and Wagner, distinguish between the frameworks of mythos, logos and nomos to show how stereotypes are entrenched in cultural narratives, normative systems and language. Authors in the volume explore how stereotypes influence policy, cultural norms and personal identity causing discrimination and exclusion. The volume aptly underscores the importance of recognizing how race, class, ethnicity, religion amongst other identities intersect with power and play out in areas like the media, education and law.

The various chapters reflect on the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to make sense of the persistence of stereotypes. The focus falls for example on gender stereotypes in the city; in textbooks, in criminal law, in the Bildungsroman and in various religious settings.

The volume will be an essential read for anyone concerned about the world as it is trying to make sense of the pervasiveness and endurance of gender injustice. Judith Butler, in her latest work invokes the idea of 'phantasm' to illustrate how conservatives and reactionaries from various places have created fears to justify censorship, discrimination and injustice. The various takes on stereotypes in the volume highlights the role they play in putting this 'phantasm' to work.

The chapters included here not only expose gender stereotypes and their entanglement with suffering and injustice but it also challenges us to think about and work towards alternatives. It beckons us to put our imaginaries to work, in the words of the editors, to 'reimagine the world not as it is, but as it could be'."

Karin van Marle, Research Chair Gender, Transformation, Worldmaking, University of the Western Cape