The Wife of the Alcoholic; Sexist Stereotypes in the Alcoholism Literature

Abstract

Current alcoholism literature, education, & treatment suggest that the wife of the alcoholic is every bit as sick (physically, mentally, & spiritually) as her practicing alcoholic husband. The origins & implications of this view are recounted, focusing on: (1) how the wife of the alcoholic has been regarded over the years; (2) how portraits of the wife of the alcoholic in the scholarly literature have influenced current thinking & treatment; & (3) how this body of literature & the popular concepts that evolved from it carry sexual biases & stereotyping that can interfere with optimum treatment, full recovery, & effective marital & family functioning. 30 References. Modified HA.