This book deals specifically with the historical basis for use of terms
in race, gender, ethnicity, sex and sexual orientation. It brings much
needed clarity to the debate by identifying the ethical issues as well
as the technical challenges inherent in measuring these elusive
concepts. The author expands on her work begun in Gender, Ethnicity, and
Health Research by paralleling the evolution of racial and sexual
categories with the development of health research. Her review of the
literature clearly explains when and why the use of classification
systems may be both clinically and morally appropriate. In addition, she
provides a salient guide to assessment tools currently used in measuring
racial and sexual constructs, identity, and experience. This book's
usefulness is not limited to the research community. Physicians,
therapists, social workers, and sociologists will find this clear-minded
volume an important source of instruments - and insights.
