The Integral Feminist: Madeleine Pelletier, 1874-1939 : Feminism, Socialism and Medicine

by Felicia Gordon

This is the first full–length study of one of the most remarkable women in early twentieth–century France.Madeleine Pelletier′s career as a practising doctor, psychiatrist and birth–control advocate also encompassed a passionate commitment to the socialist and feminist cause. Throughout her colourful life she challenged the values of male–dominated society, in the areas of politics, anthropology, psychiatry, sexuality and contraception. A prolific writer and pamphleteer, Pelletier corresponded with most of the leading feminists and socialists of her day, making frequent visits to international feminist conferences and even visiting post–revolutionary Russia.Pelletier′s career exemplified struggles within socialism, feminism and medicine. This biography focuses on her rise within the French Socialist party, on her efforts to make women′s suffrage a socialist priority, and on the circle of feminists within whom she worked and corresponded.Felicia Gordon′s research has uncovered much hitherto unstudied material, including an unpublished memoir, many letters and police records. The result is a vivid portrait of a woman whose life and feminist analysis analysis anticipates that of late twentieth–century feminists.

295 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Cristina Contilli]

Madeleine Pelletier scrisse nel 1914 in una lettera ad un'amica che era nata con 100 anni di anticipo sulla data in cui sarebbe dovuta nascere ed effettivamente anche se ironica la sua affermazione rispecchia la sua vita in cui ha sempre rivendicato una parità totale tra uomini e donne nel lavoro, nella società e persino nella sessualità... cosa quest'ultima all'epoca ancora difficile da accettare anche nell'ambito del partito socialista francese in cui la Pelletier ha militato per diversi anni...

CONTINUA...


CI STO LAVORANDO PER IL MIO PROSSIMO ROMANZO...