Introduction to the Psychology of Women: History and Research

Colonial Women's Rights

Women had no legal rights or property ownership.

Voluntary Motherhood

Concept promoted by Margaret Sanger for women's control over reproduction.

Right to Vote

Granted to women in 1920, led by Stanton and Anthony.

Roe vs. Wade

1973 Supreme Court case legalized abortion in the U.S.

Civil Rights Act

Legislation protecting groups based on gender and race.

Disability Protection

Added as a protected group in 1993.

Gender Identity Protection

Recognized as a protected group in June 2020.

Sex Definition

Classification based on genetic and reproductive characteristics.

Gender Definition

Social meanings assigned to male and female categories.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate on biological vs. environmental influences on behavior.

Essential Differences

Biological explanations for gender differences.

Social Constructionist Approach

Socialization shapes gender differences, not biology.

STEM Graduation Rates

Women less likely to graduate in STEM fields.

Depression Rates

Women experience depression at twice the rate of men.

Middle Managers vs. CEOs

Women hold 50% of middle management but 10% of CEO roles.

Feminism Definition

Belief in equal rights and opportunities for women.

First Wave Feminism

Focused on voting rights, ending in 1920.

Second Wave Feminism

1960s-1980s, highlighted women's issues like workplace rights.

Third Wave Feminism

1990s response to earlier waves, focusing on individual issues.

The Feminine Mystique

Book by Friedan sparking second-wave feminism.

Rosie the Riveter

Icon representing women's contributions during WWII.

Women in Psychology

Increased representation in psychology since the late 20th century.

Mary Whiton Calkins

First female APA President, faced gender discrimination.

Bias in Research

Influences from researchers' interests and assumptions.

Feminist Research Methods

Quantitative and qualitative approaches focusing on women's experiences.

Quantitative Research

Emphasizes objectivity and standard measures in studies.

Qualitative Research

Focuses on subjective experiences and perspectives of women.

The Good Wife's Guide

1955 advice promoting traditional gender roles in marriage.

1915 Rules for Teachers

Strict conduct rules limiting women's personal freedoms.

Civil Rights Movement

1964 legislation included women as a protected group.

Gender Differences in Sexual Behavior

Women report less sexual desire than men.

Historical Obstacles for Women

Women faced significant barriers in education and work.