This authoritative and lively exploration of the theories of contemporary feminism covers all the major variants of feminist political thought from the "traditional" schools of the women's movement-particularly radical, liberal, and socialist-to today's postmodern texts. Feminist Theory Today examines the epistemological challenge from critical legal theory and postmodernist thought; the divergences within, as well as between, feminist schools; and the protests from women marginalized by the feminist movement, including those who are lesbian and those who are black. It also interrogates (...) the dialectic equality and difference and reconceptualizes this pervasive tenet of feminist thought. Author Judith Evans documents the changes in socialist feminism from its revolutionary origins to its current focus on modifying liberal democratic forms. Students and teachers of women's studies, sociology, and political theory will find this an authoritative and lively exploration of the theories of contemporary feminism. It is also essential reading for anyone seeking to understand why the women's movement is as it is today. (shrink)

This book examines the events in the feminist movement in Western Europe over the past 20 years. It invites critical analysis of terms, ideas and assumptions about the modern world, and helps the reader to recognize fundamental traits of the social contexts which give rise to social movements. as Iceland, Norway, Portugal and Greece, the book aims to transcend a mere narrative of women's movements to provide a comprehensive account of the European scene. By mapping the postwar history of each (...) country and thereby providing a context for the women's movements, the author documents a significant chapter of European social history. contemporary world, such a those between the welfare state and a free-market economy, industrialization and religious value systems, social engineering and wealth production, and dissent and patrimonial systems of democracy. contemporary world, such as those between the welfare state and a free-market economy, industrialization and religious value systems, social engineering and the production of wealth, and dissent and patrimonial systems of democracy. contemporary feminism, Contemporary Western European feminism is essential reading. It incorporates an extensive bibliography concentrating on English-language sources. Sciences at the Queensland University of Technology. She is the co-editor of Hannah Arendt: thinking, judging, freedom, and a contributor to Feminine/masculine and representation. sociology. (shrink)