Feminist psychology

Feminist psychology is a form of psychology centered on social structures and gender. Feminist psychology critiques historical psychological research as done from a male perspective with the view that males are the norm. Feminist psychology is oriented on the values and principles of feminism.

History

Feminist psychology originated in the 1960s and 1970s, following the second wave of feminism. It developed as a response to the lack of women's representation in psychology and bias in the treatment of women. The pioneers of feminist psychology challenged the traditional viewpoints in psychology, arguing that they were androcentric and overlooked the experiences of women.

Key Concepts

Feminist psychology puts a strong emphasis on social constructionist theory, viewing gender and other social categories as constructed rather than innate. It also focuses on the understanding of power relations and their impact on the individual's mental health.

Another key concept in feminist psychology is the notion of intersectionality. This refers to the idea that various social identities (such as gender, race, and class) intersect and interact with each other, affecting individuals' experiences and mental health.

Critiques and Controversies

Feminist psychology has been criticized for its focus on gender to the exclusion of other factors. Some argue that it overemphasizes the role of social structures and neglects biological influences. Others have criticized feminist psychology for its political agenda, arguing that it is more of a political movement than a scientific discipline.

Despite these criticisms, feminist psychology has made significant contributions to the field of psychology, particularly in the areas of gender bias in research and the mental health of women.

See Also

• Feminist theory
• Psychology of Women Quarterly
• Gender studies
• Intersectionality