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The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Rocks the Boat: The Empowerment of Women
Ann Ruth Turkel
Abstract: The obstacles to equality for women have changed from external to intrapsychic. The relational characteristics of women, such as nurturing and connecting with others, are now regarded as desirable attributes for the workplace. Adult growth and achievement models are based on the so-called masculine characteristics of separation, individuation, and independence. Relational theory supplies an alternative model called growth-in-connection, which stems from the feminine characteristics of connection, collectivity, and interdependence. Womens fears of exercising power, mens resistance to sharing power, the traditional ways in which women attain power are all concerns that are examined. Real power lies in exercising leadership, which implies risk-taking. Exploring the gender disequilibrium in issues of powerboth the female advantage and the female disadvantageas exemplified by the glass ceiling and its originshelps to clarify the issues involved in empowerment.
What does it mean to rock the boat? It means to rearrange peoples perceptions and for women to gain the equality that is rightfully ours, to see ourselves as having the power to influence events, and to know that we have an impact on others. As the external roadblocks to womens ambitions and achievements have lessened, the internal struggles we have about power have shown up more clearly.
The root word of power is potere, to be able. Webster gives six primary definitions of power: (1) the ability to do or act; (2) the capacity for producing an effect; (3) control or domination over others; (4) influence through prestige; (5) delegated right or privilege; and (6) influence through authority, strength, or resources.
If we look at power in the family, all societies divide chores between men and women. The divisions vary but the rankings dont seem to change with
Ann Ruth Turkel, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons; Supervising Psychoanalyst, William Alanson White Institute; President, American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, 20032004.
Presented at the American Psychiatric Association/Association of Women Psychiatrists Symposium on May 22, 2002 for the Alexandra Symonds Distinguished Lecture Award of 2001. A condensed version was given at the American Academy of Psychoanalysis Winter Meeting, New York City, January 5, 2002.
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