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Following a brief review of basic Freudian theory, with which the author disagrees, Bardwick focuses on the contribution of the body to the sex differences in infant and adult. She contends that differences in personality characteristics between males and females begin to develop before birth (italics are the author's), due to differences in the endocrine systems and possible differences in the central nervous system. The socialization of children in most cultures maximizes these differences. In women some of the characteristics are empathy, nurturance, and sensitivity, together with a vulnerable self-esteem based on appreciation from other people. Men are likely to be independent, active, and assertive.
The author concludes that new humanistic goals are developing, and that these need a fusion of what have been masculine and feminine qualities.
Some of the material is repetitive as well as opinionated. The writer's case against Freudian theory makes liberal use of biological and cultural material. Freud was the first to say, “Anatomy is destiny,” despite his phallocentrism, which was cultural. Disagreeing with his psychodynamics does not replace them, and it obscures the author's thinking.