Feminization of psychology’. The changing sex ratio and its implications for the profession

Women are participating in the field of psychology in increasing num-bers relative to men. This development has been referred to as the ”feminization of psychology, ” and it carries with it a number of implica-tions. This article reviews statistical data relating to the changing sex ratio and discusses their implications. Participation rates of women in psychology are examined as they pertain to enrollment in doctoral pro-grams, graduation from baccalaureate programs, and career progress within the profession. Implications of changing sex ratios for occupa-tional prestige, income and economics, work structure, education and training, and theory, research, and practice are then discussed. In con-clusion, the concept of “feminization ” is challenged as questions are raised about whether the increase in the number of women in psychol-ogy i s a problem, as has been alleged, or a symptom of other problems within the field. The past t w o decades have seen a n increasing participation by women in the f ie ld o f psychology. This development has been referred to as the “feminization o f psychology ” (Howard, 1987). The changing sex rat io i s l ikely t o have a number of implications for the profession. This article presents a review o f statistical trends with regard to the participation o f women in psychology and discusses their implications. It also challenges the assumed negative, problem-causing status of “feminization ” and sug