The Two Sexes: Growing Up Apart, Coming Together

1 The Summary

In her book "The Two Sexes", distinguished psychologist Eleanor Maccoby explores how individuals express their sexual identity throughout different stages of life. This work, broadly addressing the concept of sex, seeks to understand how gender influences our development from infancy through adolescence and into adulthood.
Maccoby's key argument is that gender differences are most pronounced in social contexts. During childhood, boys and girls tend to form same-sex groups. The Two Sexes investigates why this segregation happens and how these same-sex groups develop distinct cultures and agendas. Drawing on her own research as well as studies by other scholars, Maccoby identifies a complex interplay of biological, cognitive, and social factors that contribute to gender segregation and group differentiation.
A significant finding of the book is that these early experiences in same-sex groups have a profound impact on how men and women interact with each other in adulthood—as partners, coworkers, and parents. Maccoby demonstrates how individuals draw on both their childhood experiences and new elements from adult life when forming these adult relationships. Finally, she considers the social changes in gender roles in the context of her findings on the constraints and opportunities present in childhood same-sex and cross-sex relationships.

2 About the Author

Eleanor Emmons Maccoby, born Viva Emmons on May 15, 1917, in Tacoma, Washington, was a pioneering psychologist renowned for her work in child development and gender studies. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and both her master’s and doctorate in experimental psychology from the University of Michigan. Maccoby began her academic career at Harvard University, where she taught and conducted research from 1950 to 1957. She joined Stanford University in 1958 and remained there until her retirement in 1987. At Stanford, she made history as the first female chair of the psychology department from 1973 to 1976. Her influential works include Patterns of Child Rearing with Robert Sears, The Psychology of Sex Differences with Carol Nagy Jacklin, and The Two Sexes: Growing Up Apart, Coming Together. Maccoby passed away on December 11, 2018, from pneumonia, at the age of 101.

3 Perspectives on Gender Research

Socialization of Gender Roles

She points out that despite socialization processes aiming to shape gender-specific behaviors and roles, gender segregation in early childhood is a pervasive phenomenon, and adult efforts to change this situation are often ineffective or may even backfire.

The Ubiquity and Power of Gender Segregation

Maccoby notes that gender segregation is common in childhood and possesses a powerful influence, occurring even in the most progressive and gender-sensitive environments.

Same-Sex Groupings in Gender Development

She explores the formation of same-sex groupings among children, highlighting an important yet neglected issue in gender development.

Multifaceted Nature of Gender Research

Maccoby presents a balanced analysis of gender development, unafraid to bring up competing interpretations of relevant research.

Interdisciplinary Application of Gender Research

The book is considered provocative and highly recommended for cross-disciplinary use in graduate classes.

Authority in Gender Research

As an authority in the field, Maccoby provides a balanced overview of the relations between the sexes across the lifespan.

Practical Recommendations in Gender Research

She recommends cautious experimentation with different types of single-sex schools.

4 Reviews

Academic Praise for Scholarly Rigor

Reviewers acknowledge Maccoby's extensive research and scholarly approach.

Recognition of the Inevitability of Gender Segregation

Reviews note Maccoby's argument on the natural phenomenon of sex segregation in childhood.

Recommendations for Educational Practices

Some reviewers commend Maccoby's suggestions on single-sex schools.

Appreciation for a Balanced and Accessible Approach

The book is praised for being well-written and accessible.

Expertise and Authority in the Field

Reviewers recognize Maccoby's authority as a leading expert.

Challenges to Traditional Gender Norms

The book challenges traditional views on gender differences.

Professionalism and Competence in Handling Complex Issues

Maccoby is lauded for her professional handling of complex issues.

Endorsements from Other Experts

The book includes endorsements from other notable figures in the field.

5 Contributions and Impacts

Authority in Gender Research

Maccoby is recognized for her meticulous review of existing research.

Shift in Perspective

The book reflects a shift in Maccoby's perspective on the importance of a child's sex.

Methodical Analysis

Maccoby builds her case methodically.

Interdisciplinary Synthesis

The book impressively reviews and integrates interdisciplinary literature.

Empirical Assessments

Maccoby provides critical examinations of prevalent theories.

Biological and Social Factors

The book assesses contributions of various factors to sex segregation.

Influence on Later Development

Maccoby considers the influence of childhood experiences on adult relationships.

Challenge to Contrastive Frameworks

Her work challenges traditional frameworks of gender interaction.

Pedagogical Value

"The Two Sexes" is considered valuable for educational purposes.

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References

  • Money, J., & Ehrhardt, A. A. (1972). Man & Woman, Boy & Girl. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Last updated: 2026-10-20

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