Self, Society, and Personal Choice - Hardcover

Meyers, Diana Tietjens

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0231064187 ISBN 13: 9780231064187

Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr, 1989

Synopsis

In 'Self, Society, and Personal Choice,' Diana T. Meyers examines the question of personal autonomy: the question of what it is to know what one really wants... to discern the desires of one's authentic self.. and to act in accordance with those desires. She argues that autonomy competency... a repertory introspective, imaginative, reasoning, communicative, and volitional skills... enables people to assert control over their lives.

Since this competency flourishes or languishes largely as a result of childrearing practices, it is not surprising that traditional feminine and traditional masculine socialization develop autonomy competency in different respects and to different degrees. Though the forms that many women's autonomy take are often overlooked, studies support the conclusion that women as a group tend to be less autonomous than men. Meyers maintains that such suppression is a serious injustice, compromising individual self-respect and undermining equality of opportunity.

Using examples from literature, film, and life itself, as well as examining moral and philosophical ideas of personal autonomy, the author discusses what kind of existence is desirable.

About this edition

• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0231064187
• ISBN 13: 9780231064187
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 279