ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on 2nd wave feminism. At a larger level, feminists point to the prevalence of patriarchy in social systems as a major contributor to relational problems. Feminist therapists see gender roles as restrictive of both men and women and their options for displaying a full range of behavior and emotions within relationships. A vicious cycle ensues, in which women who stay home with children are not seen as interested, prepared, or up to the challenge of the working world. The workforce is seen as men's domain, and the home is women's domain. Motherhood is often seen as the pinnacle of women's lives. Feminist therapists raised the profile of domestic violence in relationships. In meeting with couples whose concern is communication, feminist therapists will give each partner a chance to talk about what they find problematic about their communication. Feminist therapists examine sexual concerns for connections to larger societal expectations as related to patriarchy, and then challenges those connections.
