Dimensions of Agency: Female Socialization and the Capacity to Thrive

People socialized female (PSF) grapple with cultural expectations that inhibit their capacity to thrive. This internalized systemic oppression is an obstacle not only to personal success but also to social change. This grounded theory study explores the impact of gender socialization on agency, bridging current agentic theories with feminist thought by presenting a comprehensive theoretical framework that considers the female experience and its potential for catharsis. Through 36 structured interviews across diverse demographics of PSF within Western culture, the data uncovered two pivotal dimensions of agency: the socially integrated influences restricting PSF’s self-directed choice, and the response of overcompensation for gender limitations resulting in isolation and overexertion. The findings highlight effects on agency that include selflessness, lack of autonomy, internalized objectification, and a diminished sense of safety, while also revealing the emergence of hyper-independence and the “super-woman complex.” The data broaden the understanding of the dynamic interplay of agentic levels that apply to the experience of people socialized female. This study brings forth compelling models for the cultivation of agency through self-prioritization and agentic understanding. It contributes a detailed methodology that potentially enhances personal and relational awareness, expanding the options of PSF and elevating their ability to flourish.