[Studyguide for Issues in the Psychology of Women by (Editor), Maryka Biaggio, ISBN 9780306463211] (By: Cram101 Textbook Reviews) [published: August, 2012]

Over the past 15 years, I (MB) have taught a graduate-level course in Psychology of Women to students in two different professional psychology programs. Because my students were at the doctoral level and often had some familiarity with the psychology of women, these courses focused on bringing a feminist analysis of psychology and integrating a feminist analysis into one’s scholarly work and professional activities. Although I used several fine psychology of women textbooks during this time, I found none that was specifically designed for graduate students. Thus, I always augmented the textbook with journal articles on specific aspects of the topic, and these focused articles have typically been well received by the students. The s- dents whom I have encountered in these courses have often expressed a wish for a textbook that is designed for their needs; I think what they are asking for is one that could serve as a foundation for their scholarly analysis of psychology as well as a springboard for thoughtful application of a feminist perspective to the profession of psychology. Therefore, Issues in the Psychology of Women has been designed to serve as a textbook for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses including Psychology of Women or Feminist Analysis of Psychology. This book is the collective work of authors with special expertise in their chapter topic.

This text brings together in a single volume a broad sampling of research and theory applying a feminist perspective to the study of psychology. The editors have assembled a distinguished roster of contributors to address such topics as historical and scientific foundations, social issues and problems, relationships and sexuality, and psychological and health issues from a social constructionist viewpoint. Discussions of diversity and development are integrated into each chapter.

Booknews

A textbook for a graduate or advanced undergraduate course such as the psychology of women or the feminist analysis of psychology. Integrating issues of diversity and development throughout, scholars of psychology, education, women's studies, and other disciplines cover the historical and scientific foundations, social issues and problems, relationships and sexuality, and psychology and health issues. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This section provides an overview of the historical and scientific foundations of the psychology of women, first by reviewing the history of the contemporary women's movement, then by examining feminist perspectives on the discipline of psychology and feminist approaches to understanding gender.