On Our Own Terms: Redefining Competence and Femininity

by Maggie Mulqueen

By redefining current theories of competence motivation and sex-role identity, this work offers a powerful reconceptualiztion of what it means to be a competent woman in today's society. Analyses of case studies of competent women lead to a new theory that enables women to attain positive self-esteem based on internally desired and determined criteria. This new theory challenges prevailing theories of competence motivation and sex-role identity development that assume competence and femininity to be mutually exclusive.

221 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Maggie Mulqueen, a psychologist in private practice, is also on the faculty of Lesley College's Counseling and Psychology Program, the Norman E. Zinberg Center for Addiction Studies at Harvard Medical School, and the Cambridge Hospital.