Sex and Society: Studies in the Social Psychology of Sex

"Sex and Society: Studies in the Social Psychology of Sex" by William I. Thomas is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work comprises a collection of studies examining the roles and differences of the sexes in societal contexts, focusing on the physical and psychological implications of these differences on social organization. The book delves into the impact of biological factors on social behaviors and structures, particularly the relationship between masculinity, femininity, and social dynamics. The opening of the book serves as an author's note and establishes the groundwork for the studies that follow. Thomas explains that the chapters have been previously published in various journals and have been revised for coherence in this compilation. He introduces the central thesis, emphasizing that organic differences between men and women—especially concerning physical strength and energy consumption—significantly influence social forms and roles. The text begins with a comparative analysis of the bodily and psychological traits of both sexes, setting the stage for a more in-depth exploration of their societal implications in the subsequent sections. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Isaac Thomas was an American sociologist, understood today as a key figure behind the theory of symbolic interactionism.