Women in College: Shaping New Feminine Identities

by Mirra Komarovsky, Michael Kimmel SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, Stony Brook U

Overview

In Women in College, feminist and sociologist Mirra Komarovsky interviewed women who entered Barnard College in the fall of 1979, finding that the demands of college life facilitated and occasionally forced many of these women to change their self-concept. Many felt trapped between new ideals of femininity - including action, vigor, rational competence, and effectiveness - and traditional notions of femininity, centered around emotional nurturance, passivity and kindness. This study forms the basis of her critique of the struggle that arose from the differences in what were seen as the mutually exclusive roles of homemaker and those who pursued work outside the home.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780759107267
Publisher:	AltaMira Press
Publication date:	11/11/2004
Series:	Classics in Gender Studies , #8
Edition description:	Updated Edition
Pages:	382
Product dimensions:	6.42(w) x 8.94(h) x 0.98(d)

About the Author

Mirra Komarovsky was professor emeritus of sociology at Barnard College and Past-President of the American Sociological Association. Michael S. Kimmel teaches at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	ix
	Series Editor's Introduction	xiii
	Introduction	3
Part I	The Transition to College
1	Integration into the College Community	15
2	Changing Self-Concepts	30
3	Family and Peer Groups	58
Part II	The Great Decisions: Career, Marriage, and Motherhood
4	Entering Freshmen View Gender	85
5	Four Years Later: Traditionals and Converts	117
6	Four Years Later: Career-Steadfast Students, Defectors, and Waverers	163
7	Occupational Decision Making	199
Part III	Women and Men: Roles in Flux
8	Emotional, Intellectual, and Power Relationships with Men	225
9	Sexual Relationships	269
10	Conclusion	301
	Appendix	320
	Profile of the College	320
	The Interview	321
	Other Research Instruments	324
	Bibliography	339
	Index	345