Abstract of

Women Artists' Perceptions of Their Career Obstacles

by

Francelle P. Phillips

Spring 2003

California State University, Sacramento

Statement of the Problem

Women's art appears to be far less plentiful, and much less noticeable, than the art created by men. Assuming that art has value, and that in an equal opportunity-based society, women's art should be valued as highly as men's art, it is important to understand the reasons for such a situation. Inequities still exist that could be alleviated through awareness and education, and by courageous work on the part of the artists and their supporters.

Sources of Data

Information was obtained through a review of related literature in books, journal articles and other materials. Also, interviews were conducted with four women artists to collect current firsthand information on the perceptions of those particular female artists' career obstacles.

Conclusions Reached

Form this research, it is evident that women artists, like women in the general population, continue to struggle with issues such as balancing family demands and work. In addition, there are the overlapping factors of negative family influence, sex stereotyping, and gender role socialization, among others, that often limit women's art careers. It is clear that women are still not regarded equally with male artists in our society by the fact that we continue to differentiate between "artists" and female artists."