Eleanor Maccoby: A Trailblazer in Developmental Psychology

A Pioneering Force in Developmental Psychology

Eleanor Maccoby stands as a distinguished psychologist celebrated for her extensive research in developmental psychology, particularly focusing on sex differences, child social development, and gender roles. She earned her PhD at Harvard University under the mentorship of B.F. Skinner, where her passion for understanding child development first took root.

Throughout her career, Maccoby became a leading figure whose work has profoundly shaped psychological science.

Key Contributions and Achievements

Maccoby’s influential research spans multiple domains, with notable accomplishments including:

• In-depth studies in developmental psychology
• Groundbreaking research on gender identity and sex roles
• Exploration of selective attention mechanisms
• Comprehensive analysis of the effects of divorce on children
• First female chair of Stanford University's Psychology Department

Understanding Selective Attention and Information Processing

Early Life and Academic Background

Born on May 15, 1917, in Tacoma, Washington, Eleanor Emmons Maccoby was the second of four daughters to Eugene and Viva. During her senior year at college, she married psychology graduate student Nathan Maccoby, and together they adopted three children. Eleanor completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington, followed by master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Michigan.

Professional Journey

After briefly collaborating with behaviorist B.F. Skinner, Maccoby accepted an invitation from Robert Sears to join Harvard University. Her early research examined the influence of television on children and parenting styles. Facing gender-based barriers to advancement, she transitioned to Stanford University, where she became a psychology professor.

Her focus shifted towards the psychology of sex differences, challenging prevailing beliefs by demonstrating that biological factors were less influential than previously assumed. Instead, her research emphasized the critical role of social, cultural, and familial influences in shaping gender roles and preferences.

Partnering with Carol Jacklin, Maccoby uncovered significant publication bias in existing literature on sex differences, noting that many studies were unpublished or omitted. Their comprehensive review, incorporating both published and unpublished data, culminated in the seminal book "The Psychology of Sex Differences," a work cited over 11,500 times and regarded as a foundational text in the field.

In the 1990s, Maccoby concentrated on the impact of divorce on children, conducting longitudinal studies that led to influential books such as "Dividing the Child" (co-authored with Robert Mnookin) and "Adolescents After Divorce" (co-authored with Christy Buchanan and Sanford Dornbusch).

Notable Publications

Among her prolific output, early works like "Patterns of Child-Rearing" (1957) laid the groundwork for understanding parent-child dynamics. She continued to contribute with pivotal texts including "The Psychology of Sex Differences" (1974) and "The Two Sexes: Growing Up Apart, Coming Together" (1998).

Legacy and Honors

Maccoby’s groundbreaking research on gender and developmental psychology earned her numerous accolades, including the G. Stanley Hall Award (1982) and the American Psychological Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (1996). She served as president of the APA’s Division 7 from 1971 to 1972 and made history as the first woman to chair Stanford’s Psychology Department. In 1993, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.

The APA’s Division 7 honors her legacy through the Maccoby Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to developmental psychology. A study ranking the top 100 psychologists of the 20th century placed Maccoby at number 70.

Her career also featured prestigious recognitions like Stanford’s Walter J. Gores Award for teaching excellence and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award.

Eleanor Maccoby celebrated her 100th birthday on May 15, 2017, and passed away on December 11, 2018, leaving behind a transformative legacy in psychology.

• Psychology
• Student Resources
• Historical Biographies

Sources:

1. American Psychological Association, Division 7: Profiles of Leading Developmental Psychologists
2. Haggbloom SJ et al., "The 100 Most Eminent Psychologists of the 20th Century," Review of General Psychology, 2002

Further Reading:

• American Psychological Association, Division 7: Past Presidents
• Association for Psychological Science: Inside the Psychologist’s Studio - Eleanor Maccoby
• Chelsey K.: Stanford News, "Stanford Psychologist Eleanor Maccoby Passes at 101," 2018
• Harvard University Archives: Eleanor Maccoby (1917-)

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry is a psychosocial rehabilitation expert, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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