Introduction to the Psychology of Women: History & Research

What were women’s role in Colonial times?

Cooking, cleaning, no legal rights, couldn’t own property; Bible teaching emphasized male authority.

How did women’s role change in the 1800s?

Spent most of life having children, limited education, low wages, unmarried women were called “spinsters”.

What was the significance of 1900s for women?

Gained right to vote (1920), entered workforce during wars, birth control (1961), Civil Rights Act (1964), Roe v. Wade (1973, overturned in 2022).

What are some of the 1915 rules for teachers?

No marriage, no company with men, curfew 8PM - 6AM, no bright colors, must weak two petticoats.

What did the 1955 Good Wife’s Guide suggest?

Cater to husband’s comfort, don’t question him, accept his decisions, prioritize his needs

Define sex and gender

Sex is biological (genes, anatomy), gender is socially constructed (ma

What is the nature vs. nurture debate?

Nature refers to biological influences, nurture refers to environmental/social influences.

Do women smile more than men?

Yes, likely due to social norms and expectations.

What are some gender disparities in education and work?

Fewer women in STEM, more women in middle management but fewer as CEOs, higher depression rates in women.

Explain essentialism vs. social constructionism in gender differences.

Essentialism: differences are biological and social constructionism: differences are shaped by society.

Why do women experience higher rates of depression?

Biological view: hormones, postpartum depression. Social view: women seek help more, are more economically vulnerable, face violence, and doctors stereotype depression as a “female” issue.

What are the four major feminist perspectives?

Liberal, radical, cultural, & women-of-color feminism

Liberal Feminism

Equal opportunities and rights.

Radical Feminism

Patriarchy controls women; major systemic change needed.

Cultural Feminism

Women and men have inherent differences that should be valued.

Women-of-Color Feminism

Race and class intersect with gender issues.

First Wave of Feminism

Early 1900s. Focused on voting rights.

Second Wave of Feminism

1960s-1980s. Feminism Mystique, workplace equality, reproductive rights.

Third Wave of Feminism

1990s-present. Individual empowerment, intersectionality.

What was The Feminine Mystique?

A 1963 book by Betty Friedan challenging the idea that women’s fulfillment comes only from being housewives.

Who was the first women to earn a psychology PhD?

Margaret Floy Washburn (1894)

Was was the first female APA president?

Mary Whiton Calkins (1905)

How have women’s roles in psychology changed over time?

Increased PhDs and APA membership, but wage gaps and leadership disparities persist.

How does bias affect psychological research on women?

Topics chosen reflect researcher biases. Hypotheses may assume gender stereotypes. Samples often lack diversity. Findings may reinforce stereotypes.

What are feminist research methods?

Quantitative (objective, standardized tests) vs. Qualitative (subjective, personal experiences)