There were so few women involved in the founding of psychology because according to the Ann Johnson of the University of St. Thomas, women’s contributions in psychology were minimized in many, many years. She said this when attending the “History of Women Psychology” symposium as a speaker at the APS 21st Annual Convention.
EXPLANATION:
There were indeed only a few women involved in the founding of psychology. Besides, the dominance of male thinkers in early psychology makes it seem that way. Estimates suggest that 1 of every 10 psychologists in the United States was a woman. Also, according to the National Research Council, in 1970 there were only 20% women of Ph.D. recipients in psychology.
Obstacles faced by women in early psychology
Moreover, many of pioneering women in psychology faced many obstacles, difficulties, and discrimination. Many of these women were not allowed to study by men and found it hard to secure academic positions. These obstacles made it difficult for them to research and publish. No wonder that women were underrepresented in academia and faced a distinctive set of issues.
Better change for women in psychology
Fortunately, in the 60s and the 70s, there was an infusion of feminist critique and analysis into psychology. This allowed women to involve more in psychology. More and more female psychologists were able to receive PhDs. Anna Freud, Mary Whiton Calkins, and Mary Ainsworth are some of the women in psychology history. According to APA’s Center for Psychology Workforce Analysis and Research, in 2005 there were nearly 72% of new PhDs and PsyDs entering psychology were women.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:
When did psychology’s history as a science begin? -
Early history of psychology? -
Keywords
Psychology, women in psychology Â
Subject: History
Class: Middle School
Subchapter: Psychology
