This text brings together in a single volume a broad sampling of research and theory applying a feminist perspective to the study of psychology. The editors have assembled a distinguished roster of contributors to address such topics as historical and scientific foundations, social issues and problems, relationships and sexuality, and psychological and health issues from a social constructionist viewpoint. Discussions of diversity and development are integrated into each chapter.
The Political Psychology of Women in U.S. Politics is a comprehensive resource for students, researchers, and practitioners interested in women and politics. Highly original and drawing from the best available research in psychology and political science, this book is designed to summarize and extend interdisciplinary research that addresses how and why men and women differ as citizens, as political candidates, and as officeholders. The chapters in this volume are focused on differences in the political behavior and perceptions of men and women, yet the chapters also speak to broader topics within American politics – including political socialization, opinion formation, candidate emergence, and voting behavior. Broadly, this volume addresses the causes and consequences of women’s underrepresentation in American government. This book is the ideal resource for students and researchers of all levels interested in understanding the unique political experiences of diverse women, and the importance of rectifying the problem of gender disparities in American politics.
As a formal field of study, the psychology of women has pushed the boundaries of traditional theory, produced breakthroughs in methodology, and built links to some of the most challenging problems of our time. It remains an intellectually vibrant and socially relevant area, including initiatives that not only have changed the epistemology of knowledge but also have expanded our understanding of ourselves and of the world. Across this two-volume set, chapter authors provide scholarly reviews and in-depth analyses of subjects within their areas of expertise. Themes of status and power inform many chapters. Volume 1 begins by outlining the emergence of the psychology of women and its connections with the women's movement. This is followed by feminist critiques of theory, descriptions of innovative methodologies, and discussions of difference and similarity, both between women and men and between gender and sexuality. The social and economic contexts surrounding these issues are reviewed, as are dichotomies sustained by sexism, stereotypes, and prejudice. Volume 1 concludes with chapters that address the uniquely intersecting components of individual experience. Volume 2 focuses on applied subjects. It begins with a section on psychological well-being, including therapeutic models of gender, feminist goals of empowerment, multicultural feminism, and the borderlands of gender identity. Following is a discussion of close relationships, including issues of intimacy, equity, and changing models of family. Victimization and narratives of victimhood are described next, as are leadership, community, politics, and women in the workplace. The volume concludes with a discussion of women's roles and agency throughout the world, with special attention given to human rights and reproductive justice.
Over the past 15 years, I (MB) have taught a graduate-level course in Psychology of Women to students in two different professional psychology programs. Because my students were at the doctoral level and often had some familiarity with the psychology of women, these courses focused on bringing a feminist analysis of psychology and integrating a feminist analysis into one’s scholarly work and professional activities. Although I used several fine psychology of women textbooks during this time, I found none that was specifically designed for graduate students. Thus, I always augmented the textbook with journal articles on specific aspects of the topic, and these focused articles have typically been well received by the students. The s- dents whom I have encountered in these courses have often expressed a wish for a textbook that is designed for their needs; I think what they are asking for is one that could serve as a foundation for their scholarly analysis of psychology as well as a springboard for thoughtful application of a feminist perspective to the profession of psychology. Therefore, Issues in the Psychology of Women has been designed to serve as a textbook for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses including Psychology of Women or Feminist Analysis of Psychology. This book is the collective work of authors with special expertise in their chapter topic.
A lively, thought-provoking exploration of the latest theory and practice in the psychology of women and gender Edited by Rhoda Unger, a pioneer in feminist psychology, this handbook provides an extraordinarily balanced, in-depth treatment of major contemporary theories, trends, and advances in the field of women and gender. Bringing together contributions from leading U.S. and international scholars, it presents integrated coverage of a variety of approaches-ranging from traditional experiments to postmodern analyses. Conceptual models discussed include those that look within the individual, between individuals and groups, and beyond the person-to the social-structural frameworks in which people are embedded as well as biological and evolutionary perspectives. Multicultural and cross-cultural issues are emphasized throughout, including key variables such as sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and social class. Researchers and clinicians alike will appreciate the thorough review of the latest thinking about gender and its impact on physical and mental health-which includes the emerging trends in feminist therapy and sociocultural issues important in the treatment of women of color. In addressing developmental issues, the book offers thought-provoking discussions of new research into possible biological influences on gender-specific behaviors; the role of early conditioning by parents, school, and the media; the role of mother and mothering; gender in old age; and more. Power and gender, as well as the latest research findings on American men's ambivalence toward women, sexual harassment, and violence against women, are among the timely topics explored in viewing gender as a systemic phenomenon. Handbook of the Psychology of Women and Gender is must reading for mental health researchers and practitioners, as well as scholars in a variety of disciplines who want to stay current with the latest psychological/psychosocial thinking on women and gender.
The experience of being a woman in the modern world cannot be easily described using a series of psychological clichés and generic feminist language. This book contains contributions from scholars and clinical practitioners around the globe (USA, Canada, China, Italy, UK). Collectively, these chapters show that studying the psychology of women in the modern world mandates the appreciation of diversity. Topics include pregnancy, motherhood, lifestyle issues, healthcare, gender role conflicts, stress management, addiction recovery, and trauma resolution. Information on causality and development of phenomena; implications for clinical care; and offering improved services for women are discussed throughout. Although primarily a psychology volume, influences from many academic disciplines, including public health, sociology, medicine, and literature are woven into the chapters, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches in conceptualising the experiences of women in the modernity.
Clinical psychology has traditionally ignored gender issues. The result has been to the detriment of women both as service users and practitioners. The contributors to this book show how this has happened and explore the effects both on clients and clinicians. Focusing on different aspects of clinical psychology's organisation and practice, including child sexual abuse, family therapy, forensic psychology and individual feminist therapy, they demonstrate that it is essential that gender issues are incorporated into clinical research and practice, and offer examples of theory and practice which does not marginalise the needs of women.
Inspired by the 1965 films Three Approaches To Psychotherapy (The Gloria films), The Patient Gloria is a provocative meditation on therapy and female desire. In a political context where misogyny is the winning ticket, Gina Moxley re-examines the canon of psychotherapy with an upfront mash-up of re-enactment, lived experience and feminist punk gig. It's an experimental extravaganza. And it's therapeutic. It's very therapeutic.
The second edition of A Handbook for the Study of Mental Health provides a comprehensive review of the sociology of mental health. Chapters by leading scholars and researchers present an overview of historical, social and institutional frameworks. Part I examines social factors that shape psychiatric diagnosis and the measurement of mental health and illness, theories that explain the definition and treatment of mental disorders and cultural variability. Part II investigates effects of social context, considering class, gender, race and age, and the critical role played by stress, marriage, work and social support. Part III focuses on the organization, delivery and evaluation of mental health services, including the criminalization of mental illness, the challenges posed by HIV, and the importance of stigma. This is a key research reference source that will be useful to both undergraduates and graduate students studying mental health and illness from any number of disciplines.
