Helpful Score: 1
A must read for anyone who wants to know why some women are the way they are...and how the system has contributed to their demise, even from an historical point of view, it is shocking.
Over 300 pages!
Los Angeles Times said: "A stunning book... absolutely fascinating and... necessary to every woman in America."
The back cover says: "Every year hundreds of thousands of American women seek or are forced to receive some form of mental health care--either in institutions or through private therapy. From the time of Sigmund Freud to the present day, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and psychologists have been treating or committing women for depression, suicidal behavior, and anxiety or for aggressiveness, angry behavior, and a stubbborn refusal to conform. For the most part, these professionals have been, and still are, white, middle-class, and most importatn male. Now Phyllis Chesler, a qualified psychologist and a concerned feminist, brings an impassioned indictment against a century of psychiatric theory and practice. She calls upon the personal and moving testimony of women of all ages and social backgrounds who have been institutionalized or privately treated. Dr. Chesler's controversial interpretation and her mandate for a new, unconventional female psychology offer new hope to every woman in our society."
Los Angeles Times said: "A stunning book... absolutely fascinating and... necessary to every woman in America."
The back cover says: "Every year hundreds of thousands of American women seek or are forced to receive some form of mental health care--either in institutions or through private therapy. From the time of Sigmund Freud to the present day, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and psychologists have been treating or committing women for depression, suicidal behavior, and anxiety or for aggressiveness, angry behavior, and a stubbborn refusal to conform. For the most part, these professionals have been, and still are, white, middle-class, and most importatn male. Now Phyllis Chesler, a qualified psychologist and a concerned feminist, brings an impassioned indictment against a century of psychiatric theory and practice. She calls upon the personal and moving testimony of women of all ages and social backgrounds who have been institutionalized or privately treated. Dr. Chesler's controversial interpretation and her mandate for a new, unconventional female psychology offer new hope to every woman in our society."
A bit dated, particular with regards to the Freudian analyses, but still a fascinating and sharp critique of the way the mental health experts and industry used to (and still does) treat women.
I have a few co-workers that I'd like to give this to. It was updated in 2005.
