Synopses & Reviews
Review
The single most important book in the new jurisprudence...It is, in my opinion, the only book in legal theory produced in the twentieth century which can rank with H. L. A. Hart's The Concept of Law (1961). Both change the framework arid transform the paradigm of the theoretical debate. All discourse within the framework of liberal legal theory has had to place itself in relationship to the ideas and theories of Hart. All feminist legal theory, likewise, must place itself in reference to the writings of MacKinnon. Her work, however, is much more significant than that of Hart, because her perspective has the potential of social revolution. Canadian Bar Review
Review
Looking at the female and male halves of the world equally transforms everything--and Toward a Feminist Theory of the State makes that clear with scholarship, courage, and wit. By exposing and correcting the patriarchal values underlying nationalism and justice, Catharine MacKinnon causes an earthquake of thinking that rearranges every part of our intellectual landscape. This book is a "must read." Gloria Steinem
Review
The single most important book in the new jurisprudence...It is, in my opinion, the only book in legal theory produced in the twentieth century which can rank with H. L. A. Hart's The Concept ofLaw(1961). Both change the framework arid transform the paradigm of the theoretical debate. All discourse within the framework of liberal legal theory has had to place itself in relationship to the ideas and theoriesof Hart. All feminist legal theory, likewise, must place itself in reference to the writings of MacKinnon. Her work, however, is much more significant than that of Hart, because her perspective has the potential of social revolution.
Review
[MacKinnon] convincingly links sexuality and violence. But what I value in this book is the leap of faith to a search for practical remedies for women's situation. Naomi Black
Synopsis
Toward a Feminist Theory of the State presents Catharine MacKinnon's powerful analysis of politics, sexuality, and the law from the perspective of women. Using the debate over Marxism and feminism as a point of departure, MacKinnon develops a theory of gender centered on sexual subordination and applies it to the state. The result is an informed and compelling critique of inequality and a transformative vision of a direction for social change.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [251]-320)
About the Author
Catharine A. MacKinnon is Elizabeth A. Long Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School.
Table of Contents
Preface
Part One: Feminism and Marxism
1. The Problem of Marxism and Feminism
2. A Feminist Critique of Marx and Engels
3. A Marxist Critique of Feminism
4. Attempts at Synthesis
Part Two: Method
5. Consciousness Raising
6. Method and Politics
7. Sexuality
Part Three: The State
8. The Liberal State
9. Rape: On Coercion and Consent
10. Abortion: On Public and Private
11. Pornography: On Morality and Politics
12. Sex Equality: On Difference and Dominance
13. Toward Feminist Jurisprudence
Notes
Credits
Index