Fundamental Feminism: Contesting the Core Concepts of Feminist Theory - Softcover

Grant, Judith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415908264 ISBN 13: 9780415908269

Publisher: Routledge, 1993

Synopsis

In Fundamental Feminism, Judith Grant explores the evolution of feminist theory as well as the state of today's feminist thought. Pointing to the main problems within feminism, Grant calls for a substantial revision of the core concepts responsible for shaping today's feminist theory. Grant identifies and critiques three core concepts in feminist theory--"woman," "experience," and "personal politics"--from their origins in pamphlets and writings in the early women's liberation movement to their current construction in feminist thought. She connects a number of key debates in feminism today to the longstanding influence of these core assumptions. These debates include the hegemony of the white female perspective, the tension between anti-pornography and pro-sex feminists, and the challenges presented by postmodernism. Fundamental Feminism is provocative reading for anyone interested in the future of feminist theory and the power of feminist politics.

About this title

Review

"Consisten with her message, Grant's style is plain and direct--as well as tangibly political in a way that much of the feminist theory that she explores is not. Her critique of early feminist theory is extremely useful.... the book is accessible to advanced undergraduates, and it will surely enliven professional discussions."
-Race and Representation
""Fundamental Feminism is exciting and provocative. The book deals with issues that are at the cutting edge of contemporary debates within feminist theory and politics and it will make a major contribution. Judith Grant has a rare ability to place old problems in a new light and her framing of questions is markedly original."
-Mary Hawkesworth, author of "Beyond Oppression
"Judith Grant's "Fundamental Feminism offers a highly readable analysis of early feminist theorizing, a critical examination of feminist standpoint theories adn feminist epistemologies, and an overview of current explorations in postmodern feminism."
-Brenda L. Beagan, University of British Columbia
"An important contribution of this book is that it provides the reader with an accessible overview of the development of feminist theory and its inherent core principles."
-"Canadian Journal of Sociology

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415908264
• ISBN 13: 9780415908269
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240