Feminism in Our Time: The Essential Writings, World War II to the Present

by Miriam Schneir

A landmark collection of writings that define the intellectual and political underpinnings of contemporary feminism, from Simone de Beauvoir to Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In this important volume, the respected feminist historian Miriam Schneir completes the work she began in her bestselling The Essential Historical Writings , presenting contemporary writings that define the women's movement today—and revealing how radically transformative a force it is throughout the world.

Here are the words of Doris Lessing, Betty Friedan, Germaine Greer, Anita Hill, and many other important feminist figures. Ranging from intensely personal statements to ringing manifestos, from diagnosis to outright rebellion, and incorporating both public records and works addressing such specific issues as religion, rape, women's health, pornography, and the concerns of lesbians and women of color, Feminism in Our Time is a thorough record of women's ongoing struggle to control their own destinies and provide alternative visions of a just society and true human equality.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, History, Womens Studies, Essays, Gender, Reference

528 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a feminist as long as I can remember, but I have to admit that I have read few of the texts that have shaped the women's movement.
Schneir's collection covers the more famous texts, such as "The Second Sex," "The Feminine Mystique," and "The Female Eunuch," but there were many lesser-known works featured that I found myself investigating after reading.
This collection was insightful and endlessly relevant. Even though the selections are anywhere from 24 to 68 years old, each piece held something that still resonates in 2017.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those interested in learning more about historical and contemporary feminism. The writings that are selected clearly show the growth of the women's movement from post-world war, when The Second Sex was published, up to the mid-1990s, when Ruth Bader-Ginsberg was nominated to the supreme court.

After reading, one can expect to have a strong foundation on which to build their feminist thinking and actions, as the book covers many topics, from reproductive freedoms to the challenges faced by feminists of colour, and the issue of how the women's movement was predominantly white, middle-class women. Anybody should be able to take these readings, and use them to inform issues we currently face, as many of them are still very relevant: the Roe V Wade decision, and Anita Hill testimony, both recently coming back into public discourse, are both excerpted.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way the author presented her research. She presented various authors with biographical summaries and a sample of each individual's work. The author gives a general overview and smattering of people involved in feminism and pivotal documents, etc., in the women's movement. You can pick and choose what topics and individuals are of interest in your study of the women's movement.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book for understanding second wave feminism (and even a little third wave). It was tough to get through though just because it's so chock full of information, so I did actually skip a few sections. But I definitely plan to go back and read those things later on in life. Overall, I'd highly recommend this if you're interested in the history of feminism.

[anique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatively good survey of feminist writings from World War IIo present. Contains selections from texts; a great resource to have for thinkers, students, and political bodies in general.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+ Excellent feminist essays (from SUNY NP Women's Studies classes!)

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow!

The ego.

Someone who can tell which are the essential writings, not just a list of authors, but the Essential Writings.

Or otherwise put, if it's not in here, it ain't essential honey.

I have a strong hunch that texts never translated into English are simply not Essential.

Equally funny is the strong sense of Christianity. It is Feminism *in Our Time*. Humanity will probably cease to exist soon after the Second Coming of Christ, so people reading a few centuries from now is just a joke. So WWII to the Present. Ta-ta.

[shelsyphobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of feminist literature, what else do I need to say. Women are awesome 🫡

[Jennifer]

Eyeopening. In fact some excerpts I read literally wide-eyed (like the woman who proclaimed that we will not be free until all human reproduction takes place outside the human body). These women are literally at war with their own biology. And they make a grave mistake in throwing off the family as a structure for society and unquestioningly accepting the government in its place. This was an informative and sobering read. It sheds a lot of light on why so many "feminists" are decidedly unfeminine. Until there is greater understanding of our dignity AS WE ARE--not modified by scientific intervention--there will be little advancement for women. And while we're busy not figuring that out--our families--especially our children are suffering for it. All in all this is idiocy pretending to be enlightenment.

[Laura Lesburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic set of essays on feminism, women of color, queer women of color, queer women in general, history, and the issues of lesbianism and women's lib in the 60s. I will never let you borrow this but I highly suggest you find a copy and read it.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you open the pages of this book, you can literally hear the rallying cry. Simply wonderful.

[Northlake Public Library District · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as enjoyable as its predecessor, Feminism: The Essential Historical Writings -- most likely because the passages included in that book are more iconic.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as enjoyable as its predecessor, Feminism: The Essential Historical Writings -- most likely because the passages included in that book are more iconic.

[Justin Leroux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am the problem.