The Dilemma of the Gifted Woman

Abstract

The abilities of highly capable women have rarely received serious recognition, support, or guidance. Although there is increasing interest in attracting women to positions of social, political, educational, and scientific leadership, many obstacles inhibit women from realizing their potential in these areas. These obstacles include: confusion about the meaning and nature of giftedness; psychological and cultural barriers to owning and displaying one's abilities; and ambivalent attitudes of peers, parents, and significant others toward exceptional ability in women. This paper encourages feminist psychologists to respond to this population's unique affective needs, and focuses on recognizing, understanding, and furthering exceptional ability in women in the face of gender-role stereotyping and cultural pressures.