1st Edition
Gloria Steinem The Unlikely Development of an American Feminist Icon
1. Introduction: Gloria Steinem, Unlikely Feminist Activist Part I: Childhood 2. Lessons from Her Father 3. Lessons from Her Mother Part II: Young Adulthood 4. Identity Development in Adolescence and Young Adulthood 5. Defying White and Middle-class Gendered Expectations After College Part III: Early Middle Adulthood and Midlife 6. “A Bunny’s Tale”: Why was Steinem not Politicized? 7. Dawning Political Awareness 8. Becoming a Spokesperson for the Women’s Liberation Movement
Biography
Lauren E. Duncan is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Psychology at Smith College, USA. She obtained her PhD in Personality Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
“Lauren Duncan has provided a lively, convincing, and well-documented account of the transformation of Gloria Steinem from a bright, charming, young girl and woman into a powerful, articulate feminist activist. She shows how psychological theories can clarify two puzzles: why Steinem wasn’t a feminist sooner, and how she became one!”
Abigail Stewart, University of Michigan, USA
“Using stage-based theories of development, Duncan tracked Gloria Steinem’s emerging mid-life identity of 'feminist activist.' Earlier she had been neither, which Duncan explains by carefully analyzing Steinem’s recollections and reactions to varied social contexts and experiences. Highly recommended as a Steinem biography and as psychobiography.”David Winter, University of Michigan, USA
“In this psychobiographical tour de force, Duncan brings new insights to our understanding of Gloria Steinem, a towering figure in late 20th century American journalism and political culture. She deftly weaves Steinem’s coming-of-age tale out of the cloth of family dynamics (an irresponsible free-spirited father and career-constrained depressed mother), the emerging liberation movements of the 1960s, and Steinem's own innate intelligence, openness to innovation, and indefatigable energy. In clear and engaging prose, Duncan offers an invaluable analysis, informed by theories of psychological development and the influences of historical context. This volume will appeal to both feminist scholars and more general readers.”
Jefferson A. Singer, Connecticut College, USA
