In transition

Presents the author's view of the attitude changes of the 1970s and the psychological consequences of these changes. Bardwick's main thesis is that feminism, the human potential movement and the sexual revolution have challenged many of the basic attitudes of our culture, especially attitudes about women's place in society. All three movements are rooted in and have served to futher develop an orientation of egocentric hedonism which characterized the 1970s. Although all three movements are discussed, the book focuses primarily on feminism and the effects of an increasing awareness of feminist issues on work, motherhood, sexuality, marriage, divorce, women's relationships with women and our sense of our femininity or masculinity. Throughout the book, Bardwick emphasizes the necessity of a wide range of human activities and commitments for the development of healthy individuals and a healthy society. She defines sexism as " . . . not only disparagement of what women do but also disparagement of what women are."1 She emphasizes that it is not enough, indeed it is sexist, to assume that the only route to self-esteem and competence for women is through paid employment. We must also revalue activities and qualities that have traditionally been done by and assigned to women. People need both a sense of autonomy and a connection to others through relationship. -- From http://journals.msvu.ca/index.php/atlantis/article/viewFile/4700/3932 (Nov. 16, 2016).