Autonomy and the Struggle for Female Identity: Implications for Counseling Women

Many feminist writers have seen autonomy as a male developmental issue rather than as one appropriate for women. When a woman strives to become an equal member of society, however, her internal programming often gets in the way. Whether dealing with inequity in the workplace, with friends, or with family, many women find themselves giving up their autonomy to accommodate others. This article discusses different views of autonomy and some cognitive behavioral approaches that can help women raise their self-esteem and overcome dependency. Other methods are suggested for helping women become more autonomous without giving up such attributes as being caring and showing compassion.