Marianne LaFrance

Marianne LaFrance is Professor of Psychology and of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and served as Chair of LGBT Studies from 2000-2007.  As a research psychologist she studies how gender is behaviorally acquired and “performed” (e.g., via facial expression, body movement, vocalization); how gender and sexuality are understood by lay people as immutable essences or fluid responses and how these construals affect attitudes and support for social policy; and the consequences of subtle sexual harassment. She has published extensively in scientific journals and her forthcoming book is Lip Service: The Psychology Behind the Smile.  She teaches courses on The Psychology of Gender and Gender Images in the Media. She also runs a research lab for advanced undergraduates and graduate students called Gender Lab.  Her current research centers on examining the nature and effects of sexual objectification.