Gender Bias in Developmental Psychology Textbooks: The Example of Sigmund Freud

Abstract

The vast majority of textbooks in developmental psychology, child psychology, and human development include a chapter or section on theories of development. The theories described are most often the theories of dead white Western men ([1], p. 129). However, what has traditionally been excluded from these selected theories are the beliefs about and treatment of women by these male theorists. One example is Sigmund Freud. His theory of psychosexual development is usually part of the canon but not his ideas about the differences in development between women and men. This article describes the problem of gender bias in the theories described in developmental psychology texts, explaining that much of this bias related to Freud and the other male theorists, is what is not reported rather than what is said. Suggestions are provided as to how to correct this injustice in developmental psychology texts and courses.