Constructing and Deconstructing Woman's Power explores power and gender issues from a variety of psychoanalytic, as well as social, cultural and philosophical perspectives. The first three papers examine the complex notion of external and internal glass ceiling brought to life by clear and illustrative clinical vignettes. The creation of life, a uniquely female power, is subsequently considered in two fascinating papers exploring motherhood and the conflicts it brings. The development and expression of feminine creativity more generally is further examined in two unique studies. The final three essays address men's relation to women and their power.
Reviews
'This book represents a comprehensive, profound and honest effort to separate out science from ideology. It applies the instrument of psychoanalytic understanding to clarify the mutual influences and diffuse boundaries between the unconscious, intrafamilial determinants of women's role in society and their corresponding view of themselves. It is a highly successful enterprise that contributes fundamentally to a subject matter of burning actuality.' - Dr Otto Kernberg.'This timely book, in emphasizing the power of women, draws necessary attention to the fact that power as such has been so seldom theorized by psychoanalysts. It addresses power in the crucial areas of women's lives: power and its inhibitions as well as prohibitions by others in the work place, the power of motherhood and mothering, the power of the body and procreation, and finally the way in which these now evolving areas of power are regarded by men and by women. A cutting edge book on a cutting edge topic.'- Ethel Person, Training & Supervising Psychoanalyst, Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training & Research and Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University.



Book Information
ISBN 9781855752917
Author Beth J. Seelig
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Karnac Books
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd