Women's History Month | Feminist Theory Reader
March is Women's History Month.
A big part of my story and my identity is shaped by my college education as a Political Science and Women's & Gender Studies major. Political and gender theory is my passion and it runs through everything I do (even though it might not seem that way). Feminism -- the often fraught word -- means something different to each of us. For me it means equality. Equality for all genders.
I think it's important to refresh and reinvigorate our passions every so often, so as part of my 29 Goals project, I'm challenging myself to read (or re-read) 29 Feminist Theory writings. In case you're interested in joining me on my journey -- or just want some great feminist and gender theory stuff to read, I've come up with a list of a few of my favorite essays and books.
Obviously, this is not the end all list of gender theory texts. These are mostly basic texts, a lot of favorites from intro-level classes that I found useful later on. It's a combination of my favorites, and the ones I feel have most shaped my current world-view. Some of these works are a little bit dated, but they were revolutionary in their time and still relevant today.
I would definitely suggest familiarizing yourself with the author & when the essays were written before diving head first. You'll have an easier time reading if you know who the author is and a little bit about what they're trying to say and the time in which they are trying to say it, especially because some of these texts are very difficult. I've added links to copies on the internet wherever possible, all Amazon links are affiliate links.
Intro:
Age, Race, Class and Sex: Women Redefining Difference by Audre Lorde (.doc download from wvu.edu)
The Mirage of an Unmarked Whiteness by Ruth Frankenberg (pages 72-96 of The Making and Unmaking of Whiteness)
Capitalism and Gay Identity by John D'Emilio (one of my all time favorites)
Essence of Culture and a Sense of History: A Feminist Critique of Cultural Essentialism by Uma Narayan
Feminism is for Everybody by bell hooks (bell hooks is the reason rukristin is uncapitalized)
Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti (very accessible book)
Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future by Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards (very accessible but dated)
Critical Theory:
Feminist Problematization of Rights Language and Universal Conceptualizations of Human Rights by Isabelle Barker and Jasbir Kaur Puar
This Sex Which is Not One (PDF version) by Luce Irigaray (these two are good to read in conjunction)
Anything at all by Drucilla Cornell (the most brilliant woman I have ever spoken to)
Labor/Borders
The Unhappy Marriage of Marxism and Feminism by Heidi Hartmann
This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherrie Moraga and Gloria Anzaldua
Medicine/Science
The Race of Hysteria by Laura Briggs
Beyond 'A Woman's Right to Choose': Feminist Ideas About Reproductive Rights (pages 96-106) by Rosalind Petchesky
Between Fathers and Fetuses: The Social Construction of Male Reproduction and the Politics of Fetal Harm by Cynthia R. Daniels (love her)
Sexuality
Sexual Terrorism by Carole J. Sheffield
Lesbianism: An Act of Resistance by Cheryl L. Clarke
The Woman-Identified Woman by Radicalesbians
I'm sure I'm missing about a million and a half great reads -- so if you have one you think should be on this list, let me know and I'll add it to the appropriate category. Also, if you want to discuss one (or more) of the above articles -- send me an email.