Feminist Psychology is a theory dealing with sexuality and gender. This psychological theory, based on social structures, was developed by Karen Horney through a series of articles discussing traditional beliefs and conceptions about women and societal influence on female psychology (Lafrance & Wigginton, 2019). In medieval times, however, early feminists can be seen in Christine de Pisan, a French philosopher who was against social restrictions imposed on women and called for their education. Feminist psychology often aligns itself against the societal view of males as dominant or the norm (Lafrance & Wigginton, 2019). Its core principles align themselves with the values of feminism. The emphasis of feminist psychology is on ensuring the upholding of women’s rights.
Historically, psychological studies initially carried minimal data on female psychology. The minimal data resulted from a patriarchal society in which men ensured that female subjugation was deeply entrenched, and the women did not realize the oppressive practices they endured. The development of functionalism theory in the United States was a basis for psychological studies based on sex differences and female psychology (Lafrance & Wigginton, 2019). Societal influences behind the development of feminist psychology have a perspective seen in the role of women in the workforce. Initially, women’s participation in the workforce was a deviation from their societal part of nurturing the family and was viewed as a masculinity complex. Anti-feminist sentiments after the Second World War are another societal influence behind feminist psychology. Officially defining “momism” as a pathological syndrome under the American Psychological Association is another way of showing this influence (Lafrance & Wigginton, 2019). Under this study, men became weak due to matriarchy and a lack of emotional detachment between mothers and their sons.
Anti-feminist sentiments behind these social influences believed that independent women with the freedom to pursue various options would result in emasculated men and masculine women. Since the 1960s, there has been an increased shift in gender roles to essentially incorporate women in the workforce and other societal elements (Lafrance & Wigginton, 2019). Organizations such as the Association for Women in Psychology had roles in bridging the apparent lack of interest in women’s liberation rights by the American Psychological Association.
In today’s society, feminist psychology has impacted social thinking with far-reaching effects across society. Access to quality education has been realized, with more significant opportunities to pursue education availed for women. This is unlike prior years when quality education opportunities reserved for men ensured that women were subjected to nurturing roles (Brown, 2018). In the workplace, women have the allocation of more positions than previously held, and some women hold executive positions in offices, which were typically unavailable for women.
Feminist Psychology has been impactful in protecting women from workplace harassment and other forms of discrimination in society. The availability of these protective options can be attributed to legal remedies and the protection of women under laws and other forms of legislation (Brown, 2018). The social thinking that puts women in control of their bodies and gives them the personal right to make decisions affecting their bodies has also been made possible due to feminist psychology (Brown, 2018). In the current society, women still face a myriad of challenges and discriminative practices, such as unequal status in society and violence. The feminist psychological mindset seeks to put an end to this exploitation and be a means toward the achievement of social justice.
References
Brown, L. S. (2018). Feminist therapy (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
Lafrance, M. N., & Wigginton, B. (2019). Doing critical feminist research: A feminism & psychology reader. Feminism & Psychology, 29(4), 095935351986307.