Women · Psychology Volume

Author: (American) Siman, translated by Li Si and others
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-02-01
Features: Many of my friends have recalled that they used to often exchange private conversations. Typically, whatever shame we might feel would be wiped out, because we discovered that personal experiences were often shared by many. I remember such voices: "Yeah, I had an illegal abortion." "Yeah, I was raped." "Yeah, my neighbor (brother, father, uncle, pastor, doctor, teacher) sexually harassed me." "Yeah, I faked an orgasm." "Yeah, I've tried every form of contraception, and it's all been a disaster." "Yeah, my OB-GYN made me uncomfortable, but I didn't dare say anything because everyone respected him. His pelvic exams were rough, and for days afterward, I couldn't even pee without pain." Women talk, listen, and spread the word. We returned to our communities, founded our own women's groups—groups for advocacy, discussion groups, courses on women's bodies. Since 1975, nearly 2,000 formal women's self-help projects have been established across the United States, along with countless informal groups. When it comes to women's health, are women talking less to each other now than before? The possibility is cause for concern. If I had only one wish for writing this book, it would be that women who read it would be inspired to talk more with each other about health issues that affect them. Now is more important than ever to have these conversations, because women who talk about health with each other will continue to discuss other topics with their sisters. Dear readers, I hope you will find this book both inspiring and familiar, as it speaks of the feelings we have all experienced. I also hope this book will empower you to make well-reasoned decisions that help protect yourselves and the physical and greater well-being of those you love. This book is not just a study of individual female psychology; it addresses a wide range of topics, including women's physiology, psychology, pathology, desires, and needs, delving deeply into medicine, sexology, obstetrics, anthropology, social psychology, and political science. At its core, it seeks to highlight women's unique social position and their right to survival. The New York Times: "This book sparked a revolution."