Women's Ways of Knowing
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by Mary Field Belenky, Blythe McVicker Clinchy, Nancy Rule Goldberger, Jill Mattuck Tarule New York: BasicBooks Inc., 1986
"When I have an idea about something and it differs from the way another person is thinking about it, I'll usually try to look at it from that person's point of view, see how they could say that, why they thing they're right, why it makes sense." (p.100)
Being a pioneer and always trying to find new ways of learning, I came across a book that I found really spoke my voice and the voice of many women. It explores issues I thought didn't exist with other people, except with me, such as women's fears of learning, speaking and listening. What I loved about this book is how it introduces different women exploring their ways of knowing and what we could learn from them.
I personally had a number of "aha" moments from how women view authority and how I need to value my own source of knowledge. I feel this book explores, and gives value to, the intuitive and innate ways of knowing that are often undervalued because they have no scientific basis. I myself learned how I can be a source of knowledge and how to move beyond the barriers to knowing and viewing things from a purely right vs. wrong perspective. I recommend the book for any young explorer who would like to continue learning because it will challenge, as well as open your perceptions to, how you come to know new things.
- Reviewed by Lulekwa Sbukwana
News from Pioneers of Change - SEPTEMBER 2007
10 Year Pioneers of Change Anniversary
