Gendering Bodies explains how the social world shapes our physical bodies and how our bodies shape the social world. In this remarkable investigation into contemporary ideas of gender, sociologists Crawley, Foley, and Shehan argue that bodies are constantly being gendered, or encouraged to participate in (heterosexual) gender conformity. This engendering influences nutrition practices, work and employment choices, dieting, working out, cosmetic surgery, sexual practices, and training-or lack thereof-in sports or fitness. This is an accessible, yet comprehensive, sociological inquiry into a theory of the gendered body.

Sara L. Crawley is associate professor of women's studies at the University of South Florida.

Lara J. Foley is associate professor chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Tulsa.

Constance L. Shehan is professor and chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Florida.