ABSTRACT
A paradigm shift in psychology has followed from listening to women’s voices. A psychology premised on a view of human life as lived ultimately in separation has given way to a psychology that rests on a view of human life as lived essentially in relationship (Gilligan, 1977, 1982; Miller, 1976; see also Jordan, this volume). Within the old psychology, relationships were seen as a means to separation, and individuation or autonomy was taken to be the hallmark of development or psychological growth. The primary relationship seen as necessary for good development was the mother-child relationship. Mothers in essence held relationships within a framework where relationships were seen simultaneously as necessary and as dispensable. Consequently, mothers, urged both to hold on to and to let go of their children, were idealized and devalued at the same time.
