Moving beyond ‘masculinist’ truths

Abstract

As suggested in the introduction, the field of addiction studies has been resistant both theoretically and methodologically to an approach which is sensitive to the needs of women as a social group. As in other fields of social research, there is a need for a sound theoretical framework challenging methodologies which ‘ignore sexual divisions and do not “see” the experiences of women’ (Roberts, 1981, p. 15). Simply, there is a need for approaches on substance use highlighting the social construction of gender. While this chapter mirrors what Spender (1981, p. 199) would refer to as a ‘feminist venture into male territory’, it begins to explore the ways in which the experience of women substance users can be recognised and valued.

Women’s early centrality and solidity was essentially familial, a connection of mother with daughters and granddaughters, sisters with each other and with nieces and grand-nieces, and among cousins. Breaking this core is essential to asserting male superiority or supremacy. (Marilyn French, Beyond Power: on Women, Men and Morals)