Women of Influence, Women of Vision: A Cross-Generational Study of Leaders and Social Change (The Jossey-Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series)
- Book Review,
by Helen S. Astin, Carole Leland
From Kirkus Reviews
A dry look at late-20th-century feminist leaders in academia, by a psychologist and professor of higher education at UCLA (Astin) and a senior program associate at the Center for Creative Leadership in San Diego (Leland). Inspired by the 1983 Wingspread Conference in Racine, Wisconsin, at which a group of women leaders from diverse fields met to share their observations about the impact of the women's movement on the lives of women, the authors followed up with this study of 77 female leaders in higher education--including university presidents, professors, writers, and activists--and their personal experiences as agents of change. The pool is divided into three categories--predecessors, instigators, and inheritors- -according to the phase of the 1970's women's-liberation movement in which the women initially became involved. Excerpts from the responses describe the evolution of feminist leadership from the inception of the women's movement, when change was believed to be best effected through improved education, through its current sustaining phase, when women leaders use their personal power and political savvy to try to achieve their goals. The results are largely predictable: a passion for social justice--motivated by experiences with Nazis, civil-rights campaigns, or the male- dominated workplace, depending on the era--propelled all three groups of women into action, even if the vehicles counted on for change have not remained the same. Along the way, the feminist experience has fostered the development of a unique style of leadership that emphasizes listening to and empowering others rather than giving orders or hiding behind an intimidating hierarchy of gatekeepers. A meandering portrait whose flat, nonchallenging style detracts substantially from the book's effectiveness. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Book Description
"Thoughtful, intelligent, and probing--going beyond the stereotypes to get at some of the real issues for and experiences of women who are or could be leaders. . . . A wellspring of information--and inspiration--for women in all fields and at all levels."--Booklist"What is distinctive about Women of Influence, Women of Vision is the book's presentation of issues.... Astin and Leland show readers how the women in their sample share a passion for justice.... The narrative, at once unsentimental and celebratory, is remarkably affirming."--Contemporary Psychology"The interview material provides much suggestive data, the chronologies are useful, and the theoretical suggestions stimulating. A worthwhile addition to any library."--Choice"A book for students, for teachers, for scholars, and for any woman who wants to know how the struggles of individual women came to create what is collectively known in this country as the women's movement."--Ann W. Richards, former governor of Texas"Astin and Leland go beyond rhetoric and statistical compilations to actual hands-on experiences and accomplishments. . . . What the authors find bodes well for the future."--Clark Kerr, president emeritus, University of California"The single best book on women and leadership."--Warren Bennis, distinguished professor of business administration, University of Southern California, and author of Why Leaders Can't Lead and On Becoming a Leader
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