Routledge Psychoanalysis and Women: Contemporary Reappraisals

Within the psychoanalytic framework, there is a growing body of research and thinking about female development. In addition, there is ongoing research within other areas of psychology, such as developmental psychology and social psychology, which has important implications for an understanding of women's adult development. Often these research findings are not readily available to the analytic community, nor has much of the research been incorporated into a psychoanalytic framework. Psychoanalysis and Women broadens analytic thinking by integrating contemporary literature from psychoanalysis with that of other areas, both within and outside psychology, which has implications for the undertanding of women's development. This literature is conceptualized within a psychoanalytic framework. A basic premise underlying this book is that psychoanalysis needs continuing review and revision in terms of what women and men are about and a continuing focus on whether and how unfounded biases prevent analysts from understanding patients. The present volume considers how sexism and feminism are affecting psychoanalysis and exemplifies how the emerging field of psychoanalysis of women and the issues its existence raises should be conceptualized. It also exemplifies some of the positive contributions that a feminist outlook gives to the study of human behavior and should esxpand the range of hypotheses that we have about people. Review "Psychoanalysis and Women consists of 12 original essays with topics ranging from women's development in analytic theory to discussions of the gendered self, masochism, aging, professionalism, autonomy, lesbianism, and transference and countertransference as applied to the special gendered self of women. The book not only is enjoyable to read but should be carefulle studied." - Leslie Lothstein, American Journal of Psychiatry "This book achieves a full integration of psychoanalytic insights and covers a full range of developmental issues. By doing so, it sheds light on gender dynamics in life for both men and women and is appropriate reading for anyone looking for fresh and original understanding." - Joan Offerman, Readings "I have hight praise for the anthology. It should be required reading in all those institutes and postgraduate schools that train analysts. It is hoped that practicing analysts also will add this book to their professional libraries....In a word, this book is a gender expose that will change what we think about both men and women and their struggles in relationships." - Robert Seidenberg, Psychoanalytic Psychology About the Author Judith L. Alpert