Eleanor Maccoby
Eleanor Emmons Maccoby (May 15, 1917 - December 11, 2018) was an esteemed American psychologist renowned for her profound contributions to gender studies and developmental psychology. Her illustrious career was marked by extensive research into sex roles, child development, and social dynamics from a child's perspective.
Maccoby embarked on her academic journey at Harvard University, earning her PhD under the guidance of B.F. Skinner in his renowned learning lab. It was during this time that her passion for child development ignited, propelling her towards becoming a leading figure in psychology.
Later, Maccoby continued her academic pursuits at Stanford University, where she served as a professor and eventually chaired the psychology department. Her research spanned diverse areas including gender differentiation, parent-child relationships, and the broader implications of social development on children.
Among her notable contributions is the seminal work "The Development of Sex Differences" (1966), a cornerstone in the study of gender development. Her dedication and scholarly impact were recognized with numerous accolades, including the establishment of the Maccoby Award in her honor in 2000. Notably, the American Psychological Association acknowledged her as one of the top 100 eminent psychologists of the 20th century, a testament to her enduring influence on the field.
Honors
Eleanor Emmons Maccoby received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career for her significant contributions to developmental psychology. She held several notable leadership positions, including president of the Western Psychological Association, president of Division 7 (Developmental Psychology) of the American Psychological Association from 1971 to 1972, and president of the Society for Research in Child Development from 1981 to 1983. Notably, from 1973 to 1976, she also served as chair of the Psychology Department at Stanford University, marking her as the first woman to hold this position.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Maccoby was honored with the G. Stanley Hall Award for Distinguished Contributions to Developmental Psychology in 1982 by Division 7 of the APA. Additionally, she received the prestigious American Psychological Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. Her impact on the field is further commemorated by the Maccoby Award, presented by Division 7 of the APA in her name.
On December 11, 2018, at the age of 101, Eleanor Maccoby passed away due to pneumonia, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the realms of developmental psychology and gender studies.
Known For
Eleanor Maccoby's scholarly pursuits encompassed a broad spectrum of subjects, with notable achievements in several key areas:
Groundbreaking research in developmental psychology
Pioneering studies on gender and sex roles
Exploration of selective attention mechanisms
Investigations into the profound effects of divorce on children and families
In addition to her substantial academic contributions, Maccoby made history as the first woman to chair the Psychology Department at Stanford University. Her innovative research and leadership have left an indelible mark on the fields of psychology and gender studies, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer and a respected figure in academia.
Career
Eleanor Maccoby's illustrious career in psychology was marked by a series of pivotal contributions and significant academic shifts:
Initially mentored by behaviorist B.F. Skinner, Maccoby's career trajectory altered when psychologist Robert Sears offered her a position at Harvard University. Early investigations centered on the influence of television on children and inquiries into child-rearing practices.
Recognizing professional barriers related to gender at Harvard, Maccoby transitioned to Stanford University, where she assumed a professorship in psychology. Her research focus subsequently shifted towards exploring the psychology of sex differences. Contrary to prevailing beliefs, her findings emphasized that biological factors were less decisive than social, cultural, and parental influences in shaping gender roles and preferences.
Collaborating with Carol Jacklin, Maccoby identified publication biases in existing literature on sex differences, prompting a comprehensive review that integrated both published and unpublished research. Their seminal work, "The Psychology of Sex Differences," has since become a seminal reference, cited extensively in scholarly discourse.
During the 1990s, Maccoby dedicated her research to understanding the repercussions of divorce on children and families. Her longitudinal studies culminated in influential publications such as "Dividing the Child" (co-authored with Robert Mnookin) and "Adolescents After Divorce" (co-authored with Christy Buchanan and Sanford Dornbusch).
Eleanor Maccoby's pioneering research not only reshaped perceptions of sex differences but also enriched our understanding of child development and family dynamics, underscoring her enduring legacy in psychology.
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