Eleanor Maccoby

Pioneers of Human Behaviour: Eleanor Maccoby
A Gateway to Her Life, Theories, and Legacy

Eleanor Maccoby transformed the study of child development and gender, reshaping how psychology understands identity, family, and socialisation. From her groundbreaking research on sex differences to her influential studies on parenting and divorce, she left a legacy that bridged rigorous science with pressing social issues.

This concise yet powerful volume distils her life’s work into clear, engaging chapters. It traces her early influences, major theories, and landmark studies while showing how her ideas continue to shape psychology, education, and family life today. The result is both a portrait of Maccoby herself and a gateway into the enduring impact of her research.

Alongside an accessible exploration of Maccoby’s theories, you’ll discover:

• How The Psychology of Sex Differences challenged stereotypes with scientific evidence.

• Why her research on parenting redefined the role of mothers and fathers in child development.

• The ways her studies on divorce illuminated the lasting effects on children’s adjustment and wellbeing.

• The enduring influence of her work on gender roles, identity, and social development.

Part biography, part theory guide, and part reflection on legacy, this book captures Eleanor Maccoby’s pioneering spirit and makes her insights accessible without oversimplifying. Ideal for students, professionals, and curious readers alike, it shows why her contributions remain essential to psychology and society.

The Pioneers of Human Behaviour series celebrates the lives and legacies of psychology’s greatest minds, presenting timeless insights in a format designed to inspire, inform, and endure.