Issue 1 Vol. 35 1993

A female therapist "amongst us over there" - a report of first-hand experience

STRZODKA, U.

Three social symptoms pertaining to women and the topical experience belonging to them form the centre of this work. 1. Women carry the main burden of the reproductive function both in the family situation and in the social situation: also in the former GDR more than 90% of women went out to work, this fact had not brought about a significant change in the role of women in the family. At work they were reponsible for re-productive tasks (health and social work, trade, looking after children, for example) and even at a lower rate of pay.

2. Women work to the limits of their possibilities and show an unconditional willingness, even at the cost of the family. It is certain that for most women their employment outside the home is an indispensable part of their identity and important for their ratification and esteem outside the family. In many cases children are the ones who suffer as a result, since their parents are either over-burdened or occupied with their own problems.

3. Women desire security. This abounded under the SED regime, under which social development could be predicted up to one's death. With re-unification many women lost their corporate security - their jobs were frequently threatened out of all proportion. This insecurity could be experienced as a gain, making one receptive for everything new - an experience which the authoress made personally.

Keywords: role of women, GDR, German reunification

Short Title: Strzodka, U. (1993) PsyBeit 1:15

[Pabst Science Publishers] [Psychologische Beiträge] [Table of Contents] [Search] [Order]