Androcentric Research Articles

A Woman's Tale: Emigration and Immigration

Lamentations that the history of immigration has largely been written as a history of men today sound quite banal. It seems a bit after-the-fact to implore historians of ethnicity to rethink their androcentric biases of the past and to recognize that women as members of families and communities helped shape the processes of migration and adaptation to America. In dissertations, articles, books, essay collections, and conferences ethnic historians who previously universalized from the experiences of men and who deemed male activities to determine history have changed decisively. The lion's share of the credit for this change in the writing of immigration and ethnic history belongs to a new group of scholars whose training dovetailed with the rise and legitimization of women's history. Donna Gabaccia happens to have been one of the key players in this intellectual transformation. In her book, From Sicily to Elizabeth Street (1984), in several significant essays and conference papers, she indirectly and often bluntly chided immigration and ethnic historians to rethink their categories, forcing them to recognize that communities consisted of men and women and that to focus on only the former not only left out the latter but actually detracted from the intellectual enterprise of analyzing the whole. Placed as centrally as she has been in the debate among immigration historians about the need to rethink gender categories, Donna Gabaccia may have been the most appropriate scholar to take on the ambitious task of writing a synthetic work that tackles the entirety of the immigration experience from the point of view of women and gender. From the Other Side brings together the fruits of this new era in immigration history. It can be read as a tribute to the new scholars and their scholarship. The author implies throughout the book that this cadre of historians, mostly although not exclusively women, self-consciously and successfully leveled the old edifice of immigration history and rebuilt it, brick by brick (or more appropriately, group by group) and replaced it with something richer, more variegated, and

Women's health--missing from U.S. medicine

Acknowledgments Introduction Part One: Critiques of the Androcentric Focus in Clinical Research and Practice 1. Androcentric Bias in Clinical Research 2. Underdiagnosis and Inadequate Treatment: AIDS and Women 3. Androcentric Bias in Psychiatric Diagnosis 4. Separate, but Equal? Women and Obstetrics/Gynecology Part Two: Ignoring Diversity among Women in Clinical Research and Practice 5. Elderly Women 6. Women of Color 7. Lesbians Part Three: Including Women in Medical Education 8. Feminist Methodologies and Clinical Research 9. More Than OAdd Women and StirO: Integrating Disease and Health of Women into the Medical Curriculum 10. A Chilly Climate for Women in Medicine 11. WomenOs Ways of Knowing: Changing Teaching Techniques and Evaluation Conclusion Women and Health: A Selected Bibliography complies by Faye A. Chadwell Index

Toward an Integration of Gender into Bourdieu’s Concept of Cultural Capital

Although Bourdieu’s conceptual system can be of interest to feminists, few have used it because of its androcentrism. This paper considers McCall’s (1992) proposal to correct this androcentric bias by integrating gender distinction with the concept of cultural capital. This integration is supported by some theoretical affinities between Bourdieu’s model and Harding’s (1986) feminist approach, which relate to three elements at work in the production of social life: dichotomous symbolic structure, the organization of social activity, and schemes of subjective dispositions. Some limitations to Bourdieu’s model are considered. However, in the last part of the article, it is argued that the adaptation of Bourdieu’s model is a potentially enriching approach, and an illustration is provided with examples of gendered experiences in sport.

Reassessing Levels of Androcentric Bias in Educational Administration Quarterly

Androcentric bias occurs when male experience is treated as the norm, whereas female realities are not considered or are relegated to the abnormal. In 1986, Shakeshaft and Hanson identified the level of androcentric bias evident in the issues of Educational Administration Quarterly (EAQ) published during the 1970s. The present article is a similar study of the articles published in EAQ during the 1980s. Androcentric bias had diminished in the areas in which it was most easily identified and addressed, that is, in the gender of contributing authors and in the use of inclusive language. Other less obvious indicators, such as gender-balanced samples and the use of unbiased research instruments, remained largely unchanged. Many indicators were difficult to assess, especially with the advent of inclusive language. Although the use of inclusive language was intended to affirm the inclusion of female experiences, it tended instead to mask androcentric bias. That is, studies based on unbalanced samples, which reiterated androcentric theory, or employed biased instruments, did not appear to be biased when reported using gender-inclusive terms. In summary, the modest improvement in the level of androcentric bias noted in this study suggested that, although bias was diminishing, it was still present and was sometimes masked by the corrections, such as inclusive language, which were intended to help eradicate it.

Androcentric bias in science?: An exploration of the discipline of forest genetics

The scientific discipline of forest genetics, or population genetics of forest trees, is examined for instances of androcentric bias. An analysis of background literature in theoretical population genetics as well as population genetics of forest trees is integrated with issues derived from the literature encompassing feminist critiques of science and experiential evidence. Examples of gender-related biases in the content area of forest genetics are presented along with illustrations of masculine biases in both the process of “doing” science as well as the ideology underlying science. Even though androcentric bias is evidenced at all levels of inquiry, it is evaluated as nonproblematic in the content area and in the process of “doing” science. However, two fundamental issues, the domination of nature and the neglect of social and environmental responsibility, are highlighted as major problems at the level of the foundation or ideology of science.

Gender and the Biological Sciences

Feminist critiques of science provide fertile ground for any investigation of the ways in which social influences may shape the content of science. Many authors working in this field are from the natural and social sciences; others are philosophers. For philosophers of science, recent work on sexist and androcentric bias in science raises hard questions about the extent to which reigning accounts of scientific rationality can deal successfully with mounting evidence that gender ideology has had deep and extensive effects on the development of many scientific disciplines.Feminist critiques of biology have been especially important in the political struggle for gender equality because biologically determinist arguments are so often cited to ‘explain’ women’s oppression. They explain why it is ‘natural’ for women to function in a socially subordinate role, why men are smarter and more aggressive than women, why women are destined to be homebodies, and why men rape.

Policy studies within a feminist frame

Feminist scholarship seeks to identify and purge androcentric bias in traditional disciplines, to reshape dominant paradigms so that women's needs, interests, activities, and concerns can be analyzed and understood systematically, and to develop research methodologies that are neither gender-biased nor gender-blind. This essay provides an overview of feminist scholarship in the field of policy studies. In particular, it considers feminist studies of substantive policy domains and of the policy-making process, as well as feminist critiques of research paradigms, methods, and results that have structured policy studies for the past 50 years.

Revisionary play: studies in the Spenserian dynamics (review)

116 Reviews European medieval archaeology is desirable, especially as the Danish village excavations of Axel Steensberg seem to have been initially inspirational to the Wharram Percy excavators. Wharram Percy deserted medieval village has been developed as an English Heritage site for visitors, as is explained in the book. Located within thirty kilometres of York, it thus provides a rural medieval counterpart to the Jorvik Viking Centre which is the enduring outcome of another outstanding English medieval archaeological excavation. Lynette Olson Department of History University of Sydney Berger, Harry, jr., Revisionary play: studies in the Spenserian dynamics, Berkeley/Los Angeles/London, University of California Press, 1988; paper; pp. 494; R.R.P. US$14.95. In 1957 Harry Berger, Jr. published The allegorical temper, a full-length study of Book II of The Faerie Queene based upon his doctoral dissertation, and in 1968 he edited Spenser: a collection ofcritical essays. Both works have been accorded canonical status within the outstanding corpus of Spenser scholarship which emerged in the 1960s and '70s. Revisionary play is divided into two sections. Thefirstbringstogethereleven critical articles on The Faerie Queene which were originally published between 1961 and 1971 in such prestigious journals as Studies in English literature. Studies in philology, and English literary Renaissance. More specifically, seven of these articles appeared in what was evidendy a burst of intense creativity in the years 1968-69. These essays are reproduced substantially in their original form. The second section consists of seven essays on The Shepheardes Calender, and approximately half of its material appears here in print for the first time, constituting in effect a fulllength , self-contained monograph on this teasing and elusive poem. Here there has been 'revision and integration of work produced during two distinct phases of Berger's career: the earlier work was composed between 1959 and 1968; the later work during 1979-80' (p. 4). Revisionary play is by definition an important book by a Spenserian of great stature. While most Spenser enthusiasts will be familiar with the majority of its component parts, they will nevertheless be grateful for the chance to come to terms with it as a discrete entity. The focus of the attention of the majority of readers will inevitably be Part I, The Faerie Queene (pp. 19-273). The essays are not reprinted in the strict chronological order of theirfirstappearance. Rather, there has been an attempt to shape, control, and chronicle one scholar's evolving response to a great and complex literary artefact by reananging the original tesserae. Reviews 117 Revisionary play exudes an atmosphere of uneasiness which at times verges on agitation. The component parts are propped upright as it were, by a pair of supportive bookends, these being the Introductory Essay by Louis Montrose (pp. 1-16), and Berger's own Afterword (pp. 453-73). Montrose's curious essay, in effect renders the reviewer's task otiose. It is an attempt with Berger's own assistance, to come to terms with the critical stance which the main body of the work historicallyrepresents,and it is at times carping and fretful. Berger, asserts Montrose, has worked with Renaissance poems, plays, paintings, and pitilosophical discourses in order to insist 'that such cultural texts are sites of seriously playful intellectual work — imaginative spaces within which cultural paradigms may be formulated,tested,evaluated, and revised or discarded' in order to affirm 'the status of imaginative forms as modes of ideological production that do not merely reflect social reatity but actively shape it'. Further, Berger's essays over the last decade 'enact [his] coming to terms with both the cunent scholarly literature and the debates on theory and method in several disciplines' (pp. 1-2). In other words, Revisionary play denotes Berger's attempts to assimilate the N e w Historicism, and to make a contribution to it. Both Montrose and Berger represent themselves as reformed and contrite N e w Critics, sometimes comically so: 'I must note the androcentric bias of Berger's language here, a bias he has since acknowledged and repudiated' (p. 2, n. 2). W e must at all costs be Politically Conect. So, in a Paterian and Wildean sense, Berger has found Spenser's world 'a heterocosm...

Is there androcentric bias in psychiatric diagnosis?

Flaws, biases, and ethical problems surrounding research and diagnosis may lead to inappropriate or inequitable treatments that exacerbate or fail to improve the misery that some individuals face due to their psychiatric conditions. Possible androcentric biases in the choice and definition of categories for diagnosis available in DSM-III-R may in turn influence the approaches of therapists to clients, particularly male therapists towards female clients. Androcentric bias in diagnosis, which may also be reflected in the values of the psychiatrist, may lead to treatment regimens designed to make clients fit into roles, positions, and norms prescribed by a culture reflecting patriarchal values. Some acceptance of attempts by feminists to correct androcentrism are beginning to emerge in psychiatric diagnosis.

The concept of dependence as developed by Birtchnell: A critical evaluation

Birtchnell (1988) appeals for an accurate definition of dependence. Such accuracy would help with measurement, prevention and treatment of depression. He describes dependence as a developmental deficiency. In so doing, he presupposes a psychodynamic trait-based, and gender-related development model, but does not acknowledge its influence on his thinking. Birtchnell's analysis has three types of problem. The reasoning may be questioned because of faulty inferential leaps, undue reliance on the concept of 'maturity', the use of a tautology, ('The dependent person is...dependent'), internal contradictions, and a questionable analogy between children's and adults' behaviour. Secondly, he appears to suggest that there is empirical evidence to support his theoretical approach, but he does not provide explicit evidence. He draws conclusions about causal links and neglects alternative interpretations, especially the transactional interpersonal element in social relationships. Finally, the analysis is potentially weakened by what may be described as an androcentric bias and relies upon a 'medical model' of psychological disorder, which fails to consider the impact of social influences on the expression of emotion. The author argues that it is at present premature and inappropriate to define dependence, but appeals for methods of research which would be more helpful in understanding it.

Understanding Sexual Violence: A Study of Convicted Rapists.

Acknowledgements Glimpse Inside Androcentric Bias in the Sciences Need for Feminist Research on Men's World Are Convicted Rapists the Best Targets? Lasting Impressions: Women's view of Life Inside Men's Prisons In the Company of Rapists Interview: Social Encounter Protecting the Rights of Participants Do Convicts Con? Trials and Tribulations of Prison Research Notes Rape is the Problem Rape as Women's Problem Medicalization of Rape Is Rape a Disease? Blaming the Victim? Why Isn't Rape Men's Problem? Culture's Contribution The All-American Boy Next Door Pornography and the Normalization of Rape Rape as Learned and Rewarding Behaviour Notes Profile of Convicted Rapists History and Background: Childhood and Parental Relationships: Family Violence and Child Abuse: Sexual Experiences and Relationships with Women: Psychiatric History and Alcohol/Drug Use: Careers in Crime Attitudes and Beliefs: Women on a Pedestal: Men Who Rape and Masculinity Myths, Stereotypes and Definitions of Rape Summary Profile of Convicted Rapists Notes Nothing is Rape: Justifying Sexual Violence Learning to Rape Denying Rape: Women as Seductresses: Women mean Yes when they say No: Women eventually relax and enjoy it: Nice Girls don't get Raped: Only a Minor Wrongdoing: Macho Man Image Imperceptiveness and Distorted Self Image Just Something I Wanted to do Justifying Rape Notes No One is a Rapist: Excusing Sexual Violence Admitting Rape: Role of Alcohol and Drugs in Sexual Violence: Sick Role: Nice Guy A Dangerous and Vicious Animal Dirty and Degraded Excusing Sexual Violence Notes Rape: Low Risk, High Reward Crime What Men Gain from Sexual Violence: Revenge and Punishment: An Added Bonus: Sexual Access: Impersonal Sex, Rape Fantasy and Pornography: Recreation and Adventure: Feeling Good Rape: Some Men's Pleasure Notes Isn't Rape Men's Problem? Cultural Origins of the Motivation to Rape Types of Men who Rape Pedestal Values and Other Dangerous Attitudes Patriarchy and the Inevitability of Sexual Violence Notes Afterword: Defending Against Rape Fear of Rape What Would a Rapist Do?: Stranger Rapes: Group Rapes: Acquaintance Rapes Defending Against Rape Notes Bibliography

The Molecular Pursuit of Masculinity

Ever since Aristotle suggested that females are incomplete males, the study of sex determination has been a persistent reiteration of this notion. Thus, the scientific study of sex determination has centred male specific single factors to explain this phenomenon. These single factors include testes, testosterone, the Y chromosome, H-Y antigen and, finally, a recently cloned gene called ZFY. It is evident that such an androcentric bias is incapable of explaining sex determination.

Eco-feminism: Lessons for feminism from ecology

For almost two decades feminists have successfully used the lens of gender to critique the extent to which androcentric bias has distorted the theory and practice of science. More recently ecofeminists have extended this critique to ecology, recognizing male domination and exploitation of both women and the environment. In this paper I pose the question in the other direction, to explore what the science of ecology in its theories, methods, and practice might contribute to the critique of feminism. In their fusion as ecofiminism both theories can intertwine and complement to form a strong framework for praxis.

Establishing the balance: Re‐examining students' androcentric readings of Katherine Anne Porter's “rope”

This study was designed to demonstrate to undergraduates the ways in which they sometimes interpret texts from an androcentric bias. In particular, this research reviewed 86 undergraduates’ interpretations of Katherine Anne Porter's “Rope,” a short story that presents a relatively balanced argument between a man and a woman. Of the 86 student interpretations of “Rope” which were assessed, 43 were found to be androcentric readings. Both male and female undergraduates arrived at androcentric readings of Porter's story by solving many of the ambiguities of the text in favor of the male character. Teaching methods are presented that encourage students to recognize and to re‐evaluate their own and others’ androcentric reading strategies.

Androcentrism in "Foreheads of the Dead"

Androcentrism in "Foreheads of the Dead"

The Study of Polyandry: A Critique and Synthesis

Polyandry, the marriage of woman to two or more men, is a rare form of marriage that has engendered much controversy and speculation. This paper examines how certain ethnocentric and/ or androcentric biases have hindered the objective study of polyandry and explanations for its existence. A synthesis of the characteristics shared by polyandrous societies is also presented, in order to further our understanding of the conditions under which polyandry might be practiced and culturally endorsed.

Girls' Crime and Woman's Place: Toward a Feminist Model of Female Delinquency

This article argues that existing delinquency theories are fundamentally inadequate to the task of explaining female delinquency and official reactions to girls' deviance. To establish this, the article first reviews the degree of the androcentric bias in the major theories of delinquent behavior. Then the need for a feminist model of female delinquency is explored by reviewing the available evidence on girls' offending. This review shows that the extensive focus on disadvantaged males in public settings has meant that girls' victimization and the relationship between that experience and girls' crime has been systematically ignored. Also missed has been the central role played by the juvenile justice system in the sexualization of female delinquency and the criminalization of girls' survival strategies. Finally, it will be suggested that the official actions of the juvenile justice system should be understood as major forces in women's oppression as they have historically served to reinforce the obedience of all young women to the demands of patriarchal authority no matter how abusive and arbitrary.

Is There An Association between Gender and Methods in Sociological Research?

Feminist scholars have proposed that two types of links exist between research methods and gender. Female scholars have been thought to be more likely than males to choose qualitative methods because such methods are compatible with relational and emotional skills stereotypically associated with women. Qualitative approaches also have been thought to be especially appropriate for study of gender issues and women's experiences and to be an effective strategy for correcting androcentric biases in construction of social theory. We examine articles in 10 sociology journals in 1974-83. Most articles have been quantitative, but female authors have used qualitative methods more often than males. Writing about gender increased rather than decreased the likelihood of having used quantitative methods for both women and men. We suggest that papers focusing on gender and also using qualitative methods represented double nonconformity and hence were unlikely candidates for publication in mainstream journals.

The Philosophy of Ambivalence: Sandra Harding on The Science Question in Feminism

In the past three decades scholars in virtually every humanistic and social scientific research discipline, and in some natural sciences (especially the life sciences), have drawn attention to quite striking instances of gender bias in the modes of practice and theorizing typical of traditional fields of research. They generally begin by identifying explicit androcentric biases in definitions of the subject domains appropriate to specific scientific fields. Their primary targets, in this connection, have been research that leaves women out altogether (e.g., anthropological research that has arbitrarily and, as it turns out, falsely characterized subsistence systems and political structures exclusively in terms of male activities; [see Slocum 1975]), research that ignores women’s contributions or victimization (e.g., in the definition of literary or artistic canons and historical traditions), and research that conceptualizes its subject, male or female, human or non-human, in explicitly gender biased terms (e.g., models of animal behaviour that project onto it the gender-specific attributes of particular human societies and models of human psychological development that take exclusively male patterns of development as the norm and characterize distinctive female patterns as ‘deviant’; see Harraway 1978 and Gilligan 1982, respectively).

Androcentric Bias in the Educational Administration Quarterly

To demonstrate that social science research has generally ignored the role of women, articles appearing in the EAQ throughout the decade of the '70s are analyzed for and rocentric bias. Content analysis across six categories was conducted using criteria developed for gender-related issues in educational administration research. Instances of androcentric bias discovered using these criteria are enumerated.