Raising Consciousness About Women's Groups: Process and Outcome Research

Abstract
Although therapy is a misnomer for consciousness-raising (CR) groups, some criterion for “therapeutic” or desirable outcome is necessary for evaluating clinical and social psychological change in the CR format. Quantitative and non-quantitative process and outcome findings are reviewed, and implications for theory, research and practice are discussed. Women in CR groups give testimony to their global effectiveness in fostering personal development as well as political awareness. Empirical findings likewise support the notion of the CR group as a potentiator of pro-feminist attitudes. However, those data are equivocal with regard to the formulation that any such liberalization of sociopolitical beliefs promotes personal growth and self-esteem.