The Myth of Women's Masochism - Softcover

Caplan, Paula J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802077455 ISBN 13: 9780802077455

Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division, 1993

Synopsis

Soon after publication in 1985, The Myth of Women's Masochism became one of the most influential works in women's psychology. Paula Caplan rejects the accepted wisdom that women enjoy pain and abuse, and argues that, on the contrary, much of the pain women endure is to avoid further, or worse, treatment. Women stay with abusive husbands in order, for instance, to protect themselves and their children from the greater suffering of poverty. She makes the point that the quintessentially feminine traits of nurturing, patience, and self-denial are not pathological, as is often stated. Her book confronts the myth of women's masochism as it affects every aspect of women's lives; it challenges psychiatry to change the way it percieves women; and it offers women a positive new view of themselves.

In the new preface to this edition, Paula Caplan regrets that most of the data still apply, and speculates why that is. She also provides an update on the views of the American Psychiatric Association on women's masochism, theerby revealing much about the condition of women in our civilization.

The Myth of Women's Masochism is likely to remain relevant for some time, a key text for women's studies courses and a source of confidence for women themselves.

About this title

About the Author

Paula Caplan is Professor of Applied Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

From Library Journal

Caplan, a Canadian clinical and research psychologist, focuses on the ``most salient phenomena that have been mistakenly labeled as signs of women's masochism.'' She explores these behaviors and suggests interpretations other than masochism through a review of the literature, anecdotes, and interviews. Caplan's purpose is to put ``a halt to the labeling of women as naturally, inevitably masochistic.'' She also presents a good review of the psychoanalytic basis for these myths. Areas covered include work, women's relationships with men, women as victims of violence, and therapy. There are extensive bibliographical notes. An important addition for psychology of women collections. Susan McBride, Northeast Texas Community Coll. LRC, Mt. Pleasant
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0802077455
• ISBN 13: 9780802077455
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 280