Gloria Steinem: The Unlikely Development of an American Feminist Icon examines how one of the most prominent feminists in the United States emerged from an atypical background to become a defining voice of the Women’s Liberation Movement.
Drawing on psychological theories of adult attachment, generation, and feminist identity development, this book analyzes Steinem’s unconventional childhood, her early experiences of autonomy, and the societal expectations she resisted as a young adult. Using primary and secondary sources, the book traces how Steinem’s rejection of traditional roles positioned her to respond powerfully to a movement that was itself challenging the inevitability of prescribed futures for women. By integrating psychological frameworks with Steinem’s lived history, the book illuminates why someone with much to gain from traditional norms instead became a transformative public feminist.
This accessible psychological biography is ideal for undergraduates and postgraduates in psychology, gender studies, politics, and the social sciences, as well as readers interested in feminist history and political socialization.
Table of Contents:
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. An Expanding Universe 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
About the Author :
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.
Review :
“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
