Speaking from the Heart: Gender and the Social Meaning of Emotion

Whogets called “emotional?”Andwhat does itmeanwhen that happens?What tellsus that aperson is “speaking fromtheheart?” The prevailing stereotype is that she is emotional, while he is not. In Speaking from theHeart Stephanie Shields draws on examples from everyday life, contemporary culture, and the latest research, to reveal how culturally shared beliefs about emotion shape our identities aswomen andmen. She showshow thediscourse of emotion is fundamentally concerned with judgments about authenticity and legitimacy of experience, themes deeply implicated in creating andmaintaining gender boundaries. This fascinating exploration of gender and emotion in a clear and engaging style takes up topics as diverse as nineteenth-century ideals of womanhood, weeping politicians, children’s play, and the Superbowl. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the way emotion affects our everyday lives.