Seeing Female

A collection of short essays that seeks to reveal various ways female scholars perceive women in personal and societal roles. . . . New feminist visions are suggested as remedies for such age-old problems as patriarchal control of family and politics, balancing work and family life, and overturning gender stereotypes in all areas. Choice ... a rare, interesting, and challenging experience--a sociological journey of its own. Contemporary Sociology ... the range and quality of the essays in this slim volume recommend it as an excellent supplemental text for a women's studies course, or an introductory course on gender roles. And for those who teach in neither area, the book offers ample food for individual consumption. Contemporary PsychologyThis important scholarly collection explores new perspectives on the tension and conflict between external, social pressures brought to bear on women and their own internal personal inclinations. Designed with the general reader as well as the specialist in mind, the book features an easily accessible format, clear, jargon-free language, and up-to-date scholarship. Topics range from personal identity and the effects upon it of gender, socialization, culture, and ethnic background to women's relationships and the role of professional women in occupations defined and dominated by a male perspective. Historical and contemporary themes as well as possible future trends are examined.

?. . . the range and quality of the essays in this slim volume recommend it as an excellent supplemental text for a women's studies course, or an introductory course on gender roles. And for those who teach in neither area, the book offers ample food for individual consumption. As with a lavish buffet, the reader will enjoy many of the offerings and may be nourished by all of them.?-Contemporary Psychology, ?. . . I found reading such a book to be a rare, interesting, and challenging experience--a sociological journey of its own.?-Contemporary Sociology, ?A collection of short essays that seeks to reveal various ways female scholars perceive women in personal and societal roles. Although the authors come from various disciplines, psychological and sociological perspectives dominate the collection. Familial, gender, and professional roles are questioned. New feminist visions are suggested as remedies for such age-old problems as patriarchal control of family and politics, balancing work and family life, and overturning gender stereotypes in all areas. In general, the collection is too technical for use by undergraduates and too diverse for graduate students, but, as the editor states, it would be good reading as a "collection of glimpses" into the thoughts of top-notch scholars. Most noteworthy are the essays dealing with women in such professional roles as physicians, public speakers, and journalists. There is an especially fascinating contribution on the Virgin Mary as the mother figure set on saving the world.?-Choice, ?This collection of 17 essays by, for, and about women is a sampling of issues covered in women's studies courses: women's development and identity, women in relationship to others, women in professional roles, and women's perspectives. The authors reflect many different styles, viewpoints, and emphases in keeping with their varied academic orientations. Drawn from liberal arts and social science departments, theirs is a melting pot of subjective and objective approaches. Together they illustrate the use of the new feminist organ: the mind-and-heart' which the editor deems central to feminine scholarship. While not all of the essays demonstrate the efficacy of this new organ, those that do are exciting in a way that would be of interest to feminist therapists, to teachers of gender-related subjects, and to those who would like to try their hand at this new type of scholarship.?-Readings, ." . . the range and quality of the essays in this slim volume recommend it as an excellent supplemental text for a women's studies course, or an introductory course on gender roles. And for those who teach in neither area, the book offers ample food for individual consumption. As with a lavish buffet, the reader will enjoy many of the offerings and may be nourished by all of them."-Contemporary Psychology

SHARON S.BREHM is Professor of Psychology at the University of Kansas.