A feminist critique of problem gambling research

Abstract

Using a liberal feminist orientation, the literature on a diverse range of topics concerning the profile of the pathological gambler, from personality traits to psychiatric orientation, as well as consequences of the behavior on individuals was reviewed for its gender-related content. The vast majority of this research has been on male subjects; gender of respondents has not been discussed; gender-related findings have not been reported; mostly male-dominated gambling sites have been investigated. To say that most compulsive gamblers are men and therefore, theorists need to explain them first and only later apply these same explanations to the 'rare' [female] cases is to acquiesce to a patriarchal notion of the world. Action is suggested which would put a halt to this trend and suggestions are made for future research.