This volume 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. This book 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" provides a systematic and mutual critique of feminism and psychology, and explores the practical implications they have for each other. It is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students of psychology, gender, women's studies, and the health and caring professions.

Author Biography

The Authors Erica Burman is Senior Lecturer in Developmental and Educational Psychology at the Discourse Unit, Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, The Manchester Metropolitan University. Her previous publications include Feminists and Psychological Practice (1990, Sage edited), Discourse Analytic Research (1993, Routledge, co-edited), Deconstructing Developmental Psychology (1994, Routledge) and Qualitative Methods in Psychology (1994, Open University Press, co-authored); Pam Alldred lectures part-time at South Bank University and the University of East London; Catherine Bewley Policy Officer, Centre for Policy on Ageing, London; Colleen Heenan is a Feminist Psychotherapist in a private practice in Bradford and a part-time lecturer at Birkbeck College; Brenda Goldberg is a Research Assistant at the Discourse Unit, Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, The Manchester Metropolitan University; Jane E Marshall is Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Women's Health, Wirral Community Healthcare NHS Trust , Merseyside; Deb Marks Centre for Psychotherapeutic Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Sheffield University; Karen Taylor is a Research Student at the Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology, The Manchester Metropolitan University; Robina Ullah teaches on Women's Access courses in Further Education colleges in Manchester; Sam Warner is a Principle Clinical Psychologist with special responsibility for therapeutic psychological services for sexually abused children and young people at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital.