Cambridge University Press Reflections from Pioneering Women in Psychology

This volume traces the life journeys of a cohort of influential and transformative women in psychology, now in or nearing retirement, who have changed the discipline and the broader world of academia in significant ways. The 26 reflective essays record how these scholars thrived in an academic landscape that was often, at best, unwelcoming, and, at worst, hostile, toward them. They explicitly and implicitly acknowledge that their paths were inextricably linked with the evolution of women's roles in society; they highlight and celebrate their achievements as much as they acknowledge and recognize the obstacles, barriers, and hurdles they overcame. They tell their stories with candor and humor, resulting in a compilation of inspiring essays. The end result of these individual narratives is a volume that provides a unique resource for current and future academics to help them navigate through the crossroads, curves, and challenges of their own careers in academia. Review 'This book is an extraordinary window into the lives of 26 remarkable women in psychology. Their personal stories are captivating, serving as a testament to the shared roles of determination and serendipity in shaping their lives. Their accounts of gender inequity underscore what has – and, sadly, has not – changed in academia. Their invaluable words of wisdom make this a must-read for junior and senior scholars alike.' Katherine Fiori, Professor of Psychology, Adelphi University, USA 'The contributions of women in the field of psychology have gone relatively unrecognized until this ground-breaking edited volume. From a life-course perspective, we are shown the challenges and triumphs of pioneering women through fascinating personal stories that highlight their impact across various sub-disciplines within the field of psychology. A must-read!' Lisa Hollis-Sawyer, Associate Professor of Psychology, Northeastern Illinois University, USA Book Description Records the academic paths of ground-breaking women psychologists in their own words: their triumphs, decisions, obstacles, and legacies. About the Author Jamila Bookwala is Dean of Faculty and Professor of Psychology at Lafayette College, US. Her primary research interest is close adult relationships and their role in health and well-being. She is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and Gerontological Society of America. Bookwala has published extensively on psychosocial factors that promote adult health and well-being, and couple relationships in the middle and later years. Nicky Newton is Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. Newton studies personality development in adulthood as it relates to social identities, social roles, and age-related transitions. She has written numerous articles on generativity, legacy, regret in later life, and personality development during adulthood. Newton found psychology relatively late in life, having worked as a professional flute player in Australia, Austria, and New Zealand.