Psychology of Women: Behavior in a Biosocial Context. By Juanita H. Williams. New York:  W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 1977.

The author examines the bases of women's behavior, describes common misconceptions and shows how psychological findings have refuted them. As part of an historical overview, she discusses the psychoanalytic works of Freud, his disciples, and his critics.

The substance of the book is an ontogenetic analysis of the entire life cycle of women. The author begins by clarifying what is known about the biological determinants of behavior. The material on sex differences in infancy and early childhood is enhanced by the most recent data. The author further examines the development of the female by demonstrating how children learn and how social influences seriously affect behavior. The biological and psychological aspects of sexuality, birth control, and reproduction are also covered.

The text pertaining to female adulthood includes full treatment of alternative lifestyles and the roles of housewife and mother. The chapter on variations from the norm takes up female emotional disorders, delinquency and crime.

The author ends her analysis of the life cycle with a review of middle age and aging. A final chapter sets out the major variables which determine the psychology of women—and of any particular woman.