Donna M Ashcraft – författare

While most women’s studies texts function “topically” as “readings” for courses and general use, Women’s Work: A Survey of Scholarship By and About Women takes a broad spectrum of women’s disciplines--psychological, artistic, religious, and philosophical--and gives you a diverse, interdisciplinary view of this important and ever-expanding field of study in one accessible volume. You’ll see that women are leading the world into the twenty-first century in such areas as education, business, health, and science. You’ll also find your appreciation for the current developments in women’s studies increase as you see how far-reaching and multifaceted this crucial discipline really is.Women’s Work avoids the compilations of topical readings that tend to bog down typical women’s studies courses and explores the different disciplines that continue to make this field central to the development of the academic world community. You’ll find your perspective on women’s studies expand and take on new meaning as you delve into these and other areas:feminist approaches to research the lack of women in science and feminist critiques of science women and health psychology and discussions on sex differences, sex similarities, and gender roles communication differences between men and women women in literature, art history, and metaphysics Judeo-Christian religions and goddess religionsThis comprehensive compendium has something for everyone interested in the massive contribution that women have made--and will continue to make--in all areas of human development. All readers, especially women’s studies scholars, professors, students, and informed members of the general public looking for an excellent, up-to-date resource concerning the general direction of feminist disciplines today, will definitely want a copy of Women’s Work.

Using feminist and psychological theory, Deconstructing Twilight examines the behavior, relationships, and gender roles depicted in the popular Twilight series. Using perspectives from both fans and detractors of the series, it discusses whether the character of Bella, and the series in general, is antifeminist or an example of modern feminism, and whether the relationship between Bella and Edward is healthy or maladjusted. Integrating research findings and theories in the areas of personality and social psychology, as well as scenes from the novels and surveys of readers, Deconstructing Twilight separates myth from reality regarding the series’ depictions of women, men, romantic relationships, and motherhood. A social learning perspective is employed to demonstrate the effect the novels can have on gender role formation and the development of relationship scripts in young adult readers. Social psychological concepts are used to explain and integrate the discrepant views of fans and anti-fans.Because explaining course concepts through the use of scenes and storylines from the Twilight series seizes students’ interest and fosters in-depth learning, Deconstructing Twilight encourages student engagement, understanding, and learning in the areas of women’s and gender studies, psychology, and interpersonal relationships. The book’s interdisciplinary approach will be of use in courses on introduction to women’s and gender studies, personality psychology, social psychology, psychology of adjustment, psychology of women, women in literature, abnormal psychology, intimate relationships, and cultural studies.