Varieties of Feminism: German Gender Politics in Global Perspective

by Myra Marx Ferree

Varieties of Feminism investigates the development of German feminism by contrasting it with women's movements that arise in countries, like the United States, committed to liberalism. With both conservative Christian and social democratic principles framing the feminist discourses and movement goals, which in turn shape public policy gains, Germany provides a tantalizing case study of gender politics done differently. The German feminist trajectory reflects new political opportunities created first by national reunification and later, by European Union integration, as well as by historically established assumptions about social justice, family values, and state responsibility for the common good. Tracing the opportunities, constraints, and conflicts generated by using class struggle as the framework for gender mobilization―juxtaposing this with the liberal tradition where gender and race are more typically framed as similar―Ferree reveals how German feminists developed strategies and movement priorities quite different from those in the United States.

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2012

Reviews

[Tian Liang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided an admirable insight into the struggle for social justice in terms of female treatment. There were four main issues covered in this book, all stemming from the main topic of the female's role in society: 1) Abortion; 2) Gender pronouns; 3) Motherhood; 4) Progress from second-class citizens onto global citizens--minor issues being the metamorphosis of feminine representation in parliament and its outcomes and induction of gender studies as a recognised field. This book is phenomenal because it hints at the answers to some of the problems we have today. Maybe what we deem as traditional is backward thinking in disguise; perhaps prejudice has more to do with making one accept the hierarchical structure of society than the unequal distribution of rights; Ferree daresay feminists don't have to force other women to take sides in order to prove their loyalty to the female gender; she posits that real change can only begin when women feel most comfortable in their own skin, and not having to prove themselves as superwomen just to show their emancipation. And only then can females challenge deep-rooted stagnant prejudices against them. And only then can we get people thinking and change their ways: to prioritise women as a citizen, a human being of equal right. And only then can we progress towards sustainable change.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Read for my 2021 gender and sexuality comprehensive exams**

Not sure why I didn't enjoy this one too much. It definitely is a grand piece of work, holds a lot of information and history and addresses many of the difficulties and successes of the feminist movement in Germany. I kept getting distracted reading this though, and it took me far too long. But perhaps I might just be getting really burnt out with all my academic readings, lol.

[Vivien · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did an excellent job to capture all the political, historical and cultural events influencing the women’s movement in Germany.

I really learned a lot from it!

It’s not an easy reading tho, but I wasn’t expecting anything else.