PSYCHOLOGY'S FOREMOTHERS: CASE STUDIES OF SIX WOMEN WHO SHAPED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGY.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to examine in-depth the personal and professional lives of some of the first women to enter the field of psychology in America. These women were selected because of their divergent interests in psychological matters, thereby providing unique views of the state of American psychology early in its infancy. However, as women seeking to break out of their traditional roles by pursuing higher education and professional careers, these women had much in common. Therefore, this study had a dual focus: (1) to examine the feminist issues each woman needed to face in establishing a career in psychology, and (2) to specify how each woman contributed to the field of psychology.; The approach used to profile each woman's history was the case study method. This methodology lends itself well to establishing important historical background material, while maximizing reader interest in the subject matter. Since case studies are frequently employed as teaching devices, each case is accompanied by teaching notes which can be used for class or individual study.; The basic format of the study was as follows: discussion of the importance of studying history, especially the history of women in psychology; a brief overview of approaches to the study of history; presentation of the case studies; and a summary chapter. Presented chronologically by birthdate, the women profiled were: (1) Mary Whiton Calkins (1863-1930), Ph.D. 1895 (although degree was never officially granted); (2) Margaret Floy Washburn (1871-1939), Ph.D. 1894; (3) Grace Helen Kent (1875-1973), Ph.D. 1911; (4) Letta Stetter Hollingworth (1886-1939), Ph.D. 1916; (5) Florence Laura Goodenough (1886-1959), Ph.D. 1924; (6) Ruth Fulton Benedict (1887-1948), Ph.D. 1923.; Examination of the careers of these women highlighted a number of ways in which women in psychology faced discrimination, most often in financial compensation and in training and employment opportunities. A review of the current status of women in psychology reveals that, while affirmative action programs have been initiated to reduce discriminatory practices, the contemporary woman psychologist still confronts many of the same barriers as her foremothers.; It is hoped that through this study of pioneer women psychologists, both women and men in psychology will gain a greater appreciation for the rich heritage they enjoy. Furthermore, this study may challenge contemporary psychologists to complete the work which psychology's foremothers began toward abolishing prejudice wherever it exists.