Reflections

Abstract

In this collection, academic psychologists, psychoanalysts, psychohistorians, sociologists, and an attorney have joined forces to comment on the intricate interplay of gender dynamics today. On every level, from the unconscious reservoir of tradition to the preconscious world of automatic, habitual reactions, to the realm of commitment and conscious lip service to change, we are being challenged. On every level of society—religious, moralistic, legalistic, ethical—we are being asked to redefine our notions of masculinity and femininity. We are being asked to demystify parenthood and treat it with techno-logic instead of psycho-logic (a far more emotive and irrational form of reacting). We are being asked to tolerate and endorse new personal freedoms, homosexual parenting, equalitarian couples. Our bodies no longer define and/or limit our creative-generative potential. In every way, we are crossing boundaries and blazing new trials.