Gender is arguably the most salient characteristics determining one’s place in any society. Gender is often the first thing noticed about another person. One’s assessment of a person’s gender shapes expectations from the person. These expectations place very real constraints and limitations on individuals. The sociology of gender focuses on the social construction of gender. Other theories of gender such as biological explanations are discussed in comparison with the social constructionist approach. The course begins with the examination of the key theoretical approaches to the study of gender. Specifically, the course focuses on how gender is constructed at the level of society as well as the re-creation and construction of gender in everyday life. This course also explores the relation of gender concepts with other social locations such as race, class, sexuality, age, and ethnicity.