Challenging Women

Challenging Women builds upon feminist analyses of psychology to look critically at the assumptions which underlie both psychology and feminism. Drawing upon current feminist research and theory, the authors explore key professional issues in psychology and its related disciplines. While opening up questions rather than imposing answers, they develop practical feminist interventions and contributions to these issues. Challenging Women examines a range of topics central to psychology as well as other clinical, educational and policy disciplines. These include sexual abuse, menstruation, feminist therapy, the regulation of mothering, the gendering of the 'caring' professions, and women's safety. Throughout, the authors explore themes of: * difference, power and reflexivity * the politics of research * the 'cultural maleness' of psychological theory and teaching * the relations between 'race' and gender Challenging Women is the first book to provide a systematic and mutual critique of feminism and psychology, and to explore the practical implications they have for each other. It will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students of psychology, gender, women's studies, and the health and caring professions.