Gender Psychology and the Three Feminist Movements in History
Tianle Chen

University of Toronto, Toronto Ontario, M5S 1A1；

Abstract: This paper explores the historical development of gender psychology through the lens of three feminist movements, highlighting its evolution alongside shifting social ideologies. Beginning with the male-centered psychology of the Victorian era, the paper examines the biases inherent in early theories, such as Freud’s psychoanalysis and Hall’s variability hypothesis. The first feminist movement brought women into psychology, challenging stereotypes and expanding the field with empirical research. The second wave advanced critiques of traditional theories, introduced the concept of gender as separate from biological sex, and laid the groundwork for queer theory. The third wave embraced intersectionality, non-binary identities, and performative gender, broadening the scope of gender psychology. By tracing these milestones, the paper underscores the reciprocal influence between gender psychology and feminist thought, emphasizing its growing inclusivity. Future research directions are proposed, particularly regarding non-binary genders and the intersection of gender with culture, neuroscience, and social constructs.

Keywords: Gender psychology；Queer theory, Intersectionality；Sexual Minority Studies；Feminist movements

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