Gender and Feminist Studies in Psychology

Abstract

Along with facilitating the recognition of women's presence in psychology, the women's movement gave rise to a feminist critique of psychological theory, research, and practice and to the development of new approaches in these areas. Feminist psychology is a form of critical psychology: it interrogates the moral, political, and scientific claims of psychology and attempts to influence the directions of the discipline. Its goal is the systematic analysis of women's psychology and of the impact of gender on human subjectivity and experience. Perhaps the most important contribution of feminist and gender studies in psychology is the wealth of new research generated. Uniquely female experiences have become legitimate topics of study and new feminist perspectives have been applied to them. As the field has matured, there has been an increasing interest in gender processes rather than gendered traits. In other words, gender currently is conceived not only as a phenomenon inside individuals but a system of agreed-upon meanings used in social interaction. Methodological and theoretical developments within the discipline are considered.