Thinking Differently: A Reader in European Women's Studies - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1842770039 ISBN 13: 9781842770030

Publisher: Zed Books, 2002

Synopsis

This book is the first to ask whether there is a specifically European dimension to certain major issues in Women's Studies. It strives to create a synergetic debate among different disciplines and cultural traditions in Europe, and, in doing so, fills some gaps in our knowledge about women and enriches debates hitherto dominated by Anglo-American influences.

Among the new areas of enquiry opened up in this book by the specificities of European Women's Studies are:

* The fact that Europe has repeatedly experienced warfare on its own territory which has impacted significantly on women. Hence the focus in this volume on women and militarism, and on ethnic cleansing as an attack on the family. 

* The abidingly problematic relationship between feminism and anti-semitism, and issues of migration and 'whiteness' in a context where racism reflects the colonial histories of particular European countries.

* The importance of passion and the emotions, as well as psychoanalytical theory, for politics particularly in Southern and Eastern European countries.

* Current problems facing Europe, including the decline of the welfare state, the phenomenon of the 'single' woman, and the relationship between women's rights and human rights.

* The diverse faces of feminist movements in particular European countries.

Reading feminism from a European perspective will enable readers to reflect upon the ways in which changes in political, social and cultural positions and practices over the past century in Europe have impacted on feminist thinking and theorizing. The volume raises important issues about the transfer of feminist concepts across cultures and languages. And to English-speaking audiences the volume also offers fresh viewpoints on some of the key debates in Women's Studies.

About this title

About the Author:

Gabriele Griffin is Professor of Gender Studies at the University of Hull. Rosi Braidotti is Professor of Women’s Studies and Director of the Netherlands Research School of Women’s Studies at Utrecht University.

Review:

'This landmark collection shows the important role of feminist scholarship in rethinking post-nationalist identity in Europe - a problematic from which U.S. feminists have much to learn. The introductory essay alone is worth the purchase of the volume for its brilliant analysis of the strengths and limitations of different focuses and styles of thinking in the U.S., northern, and southern Europe. This is a fine teaching text.' Sandra Harding, UCLA 'A crucial step towards a truly transnational perspective in European Women's Studies. This book is a must for researchers, teachers, students, politicians and others interested in European women's studies and gender issues in Europe.' Nina Lykke, Linkoeping University, Sweden

About this edition

• Publisher: Zed Books
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1842770039
• ISBN 13: 9781842770030
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 416
• Editor: Griffin Gabrielle, Braidotti Rosi