The social construction of gender: A comparison of feminist and postmodern approaches

Abstract

In recent years feminist theory has influenced the psychology of women and related conceptualizations concering counselling and psychotherapy. A related development has been the wide proliferation of postmodernism and social constructionism in psychotherapy practice. This paper discussed both feminist and social constructionist influences on counselling practice, emphasizing the conceptualizations of gender as defined by each of these perspectives. Similarities and differences between perspectives are highlighted. Applications to counselling and psychotherapy are illustrated through a case study.