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Psychology of Women Under Patriarchy

Review from Choice: The introductory chapter of this very fine collection is alone worth the price of the book, if only for its definitions and descriptions of patriarchy, including how patriarchy reveals its persistent ability to respond to colonialism, capitalism, “father right,” “fraternal right,” and neoliberalism. The result is the patriarchal bargain, or how women worldwide navigate patriarchal oppression in creative ways. The text honors women’s agency, an important psychological point since second wave feminists tended to describe women who settle for the patriarchal bargain as women who have false consciousness or unawareness of their condition. This study does not promote psychological healing as a methodology for responding to global sexism, but is instead an examination of how women respond psychologically to that sexism. The major problem seems to be balancing emancipation while remaining loyal to patriarchal family and community systems. Perhaps the best example is found in the chapter on rape culture in the US as compared and contrasted to the practice of bride kidnapping in Central Asia. Shame is the weapon used to keep women from reporting rape and to ensure compliance by women who are kidnapped as brides. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals. —P. A. Murphy, emerita, University of Toledo

Shay's photographs may speak louder than words.  Gellman's first chapter on Democratic Dreams Deferred is a manageable 27 pages.