The Psychology of Women: A View from the States

Abstract

The history of the field of the psychology of women in the USA has three distinct phases. The first, between 1940 and 1960, saw the struggle for recognition by women psychologists. The second, during the late 1960s and early 1970s saw women demanding to be taken seriously as psychologists as well as researchers and research subjects. This led to the establishment of the Association for Women in Psychology and the Division of the Psychology of Women. One complements the other although they both have their own roles. Their efforts have led to a rise in status and visibility of the psychology of women as a field and of women psychologists as members of their profession. The third phase, which started in the 1980s and continues now, must deal with the old issues as well as new issues of maintaining commitment and enthusiasm.