Association for Women in Psychology
Encyclopedia
The Association for Women in Psychology (AWP) is a not-for-profit scientific and educational organization committed to encouraging feminist
psychological research, theory, and activism. AWP was founded in 1969 at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association
. At the time, there was no national organization nor division thereof addressing issues related to the psychology
of women. In addition to creating an organization to fill this niche, the members of the newly formed organization lobbied the American Psychological Association, picketing its Board of Directors meeting, to raise awareness of the sexism
within the organization and the field of psychology in general. In response, APA eventually established a division on the Psychology of Women (Division 35) in 1973. Together, AWP and Division 35 successfully advocated for a Women's Program Office at APA's national headquarters.
AWP remains an independent organization, operating separately from Division 35, outside of APA's organizational structure. AWP has held Non-Governmental Organization
(NGO) status within the United Nations
since 1976. AWP maintains a broad membership inclusive of all people interested in the psychology of women. AWP sponsors regional and national conferences on feminist psychology and offers several awards to recognize significant contributions to the psychology of women. AWP also collaborates with other organizations in support of feminist approaches to psychological theory, research, pedagogy, teaching, and mental health issues. AWP is concerned about such things as reproductive rights
and bias in psychiatric diagnosis in DSM-5
.
AWP co-sponsors a listserv, POWR-L, the Psychology of Women Resource List, and a suite at the APA convention with Division 35, both of which support collaboration and collegiality among feminists.
Feminism
Feminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights and equal opportunities for women. Its concepts overlap with those of women's rights...
psychological research, theory, and activism. AWP was founded in 1969 at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. It is the world's largest association of psychologists with around 154,000 members including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. The APA...
. At the time, there was no national organization nor division thereof addressing issues related to the psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
of women. In addition to creating an organization to fill this niche, the members of the newly formed organization lobbied the American Psychological Association, picketing its Board of Directors meeting, to raise awareness of the sexism
Sexism
Sexism, also known as gender discrimination or sex discrimination, is the application of the belief or attitude that there are characteristics implicit to one's gender that indirectly affect one's abilities in unrelated areas...
within the organization and the field of psychology in general. In response, APA eventually established a division on the Psychology of Women (Division 35) in 1973. Together, AWP and Division 35 successfully advocated for a Women's Program Office at APA's national headquarters.
AWP remains an independent organization, operating separately from Division 35, outside of APA's organizational structure. AWP has held Non-Governmental Organization
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
(NGO) status within the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
since 1976. AWP maintains a broad membership inclusive of all people interested in the psychology of women. AWP sponsors regional and national conferences on feminist psychology and offers several awards to recognize significant contributions to the psychology of women. AWP also collaborates with other organizations in support of feminist approaches to psychological theory, research, pedagogy, teaching, and mental health issues. AWP is concerned about such things as reproductive rights
Reproductive rights
Reproductive rights are legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health. The World Health Organization defines reproductive rights as follows:...
and bias in psychiatric diagnosis in DSM-5
DSM-5
The next edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , commonly called DSM-5 , is currently in consultation, planning and preparation...
.
AWP co-sponsors a listserv, POWR-L, the Psychology of Women Resource List, and a suite at the APA convention with Division 35, both of which support collaboration and collegiality among feminists.
Links
- Wikipedia Women of Psychology Project
- AWP awards
- AWP positions on issues
- Bias in Psychiatric Diagnosis: Concerns about DSM-V
- POWR-L@LISTSERV.URI.EDU: Psychology of Women Resource List