Modern feminist thought: from the second wave to 'post feminism'

by Imelda Whelehan

From the historical roots of second-wave feminism to current debates about feminist theory and politics. This introduction to Anglo-American feminist thought provides a critical and panoramic survey of dominant trends in feminism since 1968. Feminism is too often considered a monolithic movement, consisting of an enormous range of women and ideologies, with both similar and different perspectives and approaches. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which takes a close look at the most influential strands of feminism: liberal feminism, Marxist/socialist feminism, radical feminism, lesbian feminism, and black feminism. In later chapters, Whelehan ties these complexities of, and conflicts within, feminism. The role and relationship of men to feminism, and feminism's often thorny relationship to postmodernism, are also the subject of chapter length treatment. Concluding with a provocative discussion of the much-heralded advent of post-feminism and the rise of the new feminist superstars such as Camille Paglia, Naomi Wolf, Susan Faludi, and Katie Roiphe, Modern Feminist Thought is an ideal text for students and a book no feminist teacher or activist should be without.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, History

270 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

Professor Imelda Whelehan has published widely in the areas of feminism, adaptation studies, popular culture and women's writing. She has recently co-edited the Bloomsbury Adaptations: Critical and Primary Sources (2022) with Professor Deborah Cartmell. Forthcoming is a co-authored chapter, 'Screening the Australian Novel' (with Claire McCarthy) which will be published in The Cambridge History of the Australian Novel in 2023. She is also writing a monograph, Post-War Adaptations which will be published by Bloomsbury. She has spend many years in research leadership in the UK and Australia and has been Dean and PVC for Graduate Research at the University of Tasmania, The Australian National University and the University of Western Australia.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very necessary read.

[Abby Goldsmith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this for a college course on Feminism. Some interesting ideas and essays, but too esoteric and literary, without enough substance. But I prefer action-packed fiction, so take my opinion with a large grain of salt.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very in-depth look at the history of feminism, as well as the future (from the vantage point of 1995). A thorough, but somewhat unapproachable examination of modern Feminist thought. I don't quite agree with everything the author asserts, but then again this book is 20 years old. Definitely recommend.