Lectures on the Psychology of Women

by Joan C. Chrisler, Carla Golden

Twenty-two distinct essays, prepared especially for Lectures on the Psychology of Women, present readers with topics often not covered in depth in standard texts. Essays are written by feminist psychologists, all of whom are active and committed teachers and researchers within the psychology of women. More than half the lectures are new to this edition, and the others have been significantly updated to include recent research and contemporary examples. The book’s organization aligns with core texts, making it ideal supplemental reading. However, each lecture stands alone, so instructors can assign readings to meet their own course needs. Part I on the diversity of women includes lectures on women with disabilities, social class, immigration, relational race privilege, aging, sexual fluidity, and mothering. Part II delves into body images and female embodiment, with lectures covering such topics as the sexualization of girls, PMS, weight and body image, media representations of Black women, genital anxieties, and the hairless ideal. Part III addresses women’s physical and mental health with lectures on depression, multicultural therapy, Black women’s health in the U.S., and institutional corruption in psychiatry. Part IV focuses on discrimination, control, and violence against women with lectures on slut-shaming, online gender harassment, and microaggressions. Part V on social justice and activism includes lectures on awareness of intersectional identities, and the relation between the psychology of women and feminist activism.

Genres: Psychology, Feminism, Nonfiction

405 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Joan C. Chrisler, PhD, is The Class of ’43 Professor Emerita of Psychology at Connecticut College, USA. She is the founding editor of the journal Women’s Reproductive Health, co-author of Woman’s Embodied Self: Feminist Perspectives on Identity and Image, and author of dozens of articles and chapters on women’s embodiment and health.

Reviews

[Lote Š. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I scanned this book so I could have it even after I finish the class. This is how much I liked it. Read it.

[Farrahnanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has 5 chapters and there are sub-chapters in every chapter. I love the first chapter, especially the second sub-chapter which titled "Who's in And Who's out; The Results of Oppression." But I really don't like the 5th sub-chapter in second chapter, It was about an emotional response after abortion. I was trying to finish that sub-chapter but I couldn't. It ruined my mood because it was like, "we are better do abortion than let a negative emotional implies to us, to women, for the unwanted pregnancy". No, just no... I was shocked. It's even hard for me to move to my-supposed-to-be-favorite chapter, about lesbianism.
I'm still trying to read this book til finish. Just because I don't agree with one or two the lectures, it doesn't mean I oppose this book. Still a good read tho.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in reading about various dilemmas faced by women in society, this is the book for you. Psychologists such as Stahli, Bem, McHugh, and Enns address various issues such as why battered women remain in abusive relationships, the role of cultural background in socializing, fear of rape, agoraphobia (fear of leaving the home), and the effect of gender in the classroom. I found the book to be informative and clear and would recommend it to anyone interested in feminism and the behavior of women from psychological perspectives.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this and it is awesome! These chicks can really dish the dirt on sexism in America. I have always considered myself a liberated and informed woman; until now. I have learned so much more from this book about methods our society uses to keep women powerless. I would recommend this book to every human! There is power in equality for all! Now if I could just get rid of my addiction to make-up...