Gender and Power in Families

The systems approach to the family is based on the assumptions that there is equality between men and women in the family, and that women and men are treated equally in clinical practice.

The contributors to this book challenge these hidden assumptions, discussing the issues from both a conceptual and clinical viewpoint. They argue strongly that questions of gender and power should be central to family therapy training and practice.

Reviews & Endorsements

“Twenty years have passed since the publication of this important book. At the time it was the first of its kind in the UK, bringing together contributions from clinicians and academics, and putting culture, gender and power firmly on the systemic map. Much has been written about these topics since, and many fascinating discourses have since raged on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet, what strikes one when re-reading this book is how ground-breaking it was at the time, both conceptually and clinically – and how fresh and useful the ideas and implied practices remain today.”Eia Asen, Systemic Psychotherapist and Psychiatrist, Marlborough Family Service, London, Visiting Professor, University College London

“A powerful and important book, a milestone on the road as two powerful systems, feminism and family therapy, come together.”
K. K. Smith, Journal of Social Work Practice

“The issues discussed in the book will become increasingly important over the next few years, and the book should be widely read.”
Matthew Hodes, The British Journal of Psychiatry

“Now, as I read the rich and complex discussions that accompany the multitude of case examples provided in the book, I see yet another phase of the feminist project emerging: a revised “theory of therapy” . Through the rich variety of cases, commentaries, strategies and stories which burst through the seams of this text, one becomes immersed in the living transformation of a praxis.”
Virginia Goldner, Journal of Family Therapy