Carroll Saussy believes that women, especially, have difficulty with self-esteem because their lives are shaped and controlled by patriarchal rules and roles that make them second-class citizens. Only in recent decades and in highly educated or politically active communities have women awakened to and begun to expose the damaging effects of the domination-subordination soul of patriarchy. Saussy takes a theological and ideological approach in reviewing the system that fosters such poor self-esteem.
Carroll Saussy is Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. She is the author of several books that combine spirituality with practical insights.