Synopses & Reviews
A clear, comprehensive, and indispensable introduction to the major traditions of feminist theory,
Feminist Thought includes incisive, critical examinations of liberal feminism, radical feminism, Marxist and socialist feminism, and ecofeminism. This third edition has been thoroughly reformulated and expanded to include the latest developments in feminist thought, including a new chapter on care-focused feminism (Chapter 5), an exploration of the connections of multicultural and global feminism with postcolonial feminism (Chapter 6), and a close consideration of the links between postmodern feminism and third-wave feminism (Chapter 8). Key feminist theorists such as Judith Butler, Martha Nussbaum, and Eva Feder Kittay receive new or extended discussions. The bibliography, organized by topics within chapters, provides an invaluable aid to further research.
An illuminating guide to the diversity of feminism, Feminist Thought continues to serve as the essential resource for students and thinkers who want to understand the theoretical origins and complexities of contemporary feminist debates.
Contents
Introduction: The Diversity of Feminist Thinking
1. Liberal Feminism
2. Radical Feminism: Libertarian and Cultural Perspectives
3. Marxist and Socialist Feminism: Classical and Contemporary
4. Psychoanalytic Feminism
5. Care-focused Feminism
6. Multicultural, Global, and Postcolonial Feminism
7. Ecofeminism
8. Postmodern and Third-wave Feminism
Conclusion: Margins and Centers
Review
"As in previous editions, Rosemarie Tong helps us understand better what we thought we knew, provides us with an easy entry into new perspectives we would like to know more about, and weaves it all together into a beautiful quilt she calls
Feminist Thought. Just what is needed for teachers and students!"
—James P. Sterba, co-author of Does Feminism Discriminate Against Men?
Review
"The best introduction to feminist theory is now even better! Rewritten with substantially new chapters on multicultural, global, and postcolonial feminism, care-focused feminist thought, psychoanalytic feminism, and contemporary socialist feminist theory, this new edition of
Feminist Thought provides an updated account of the rich traditions of feminist thought and brings them more fully into dialogue on behalf of future possibilities. Current, crystal clear, comprehensive, and critical: It is indispensable for both beginning students and more advanced readers."
—John J. Stuhr, Emory University
Review
"The third edition of
Feminist Thought is an invaluable guide to all scholars and students of feminist theories. It provides a comprehensive overview of the richly diverse set of perspectives that guide feminist theory and action. Rosemarie Tong is generous, respectful, and even-handed in her clear and eloquent presentation of the strengths of each perspective, while providing fair but challenging criticism of its limitations. This edition improves on its excellent predecessors by being more comprehensive, more persuasive in its categorization of several theorists, and more helpful in understanding the relations among multicultural, global, and postcolonial feminist approaches. It is an essential resource for anyone seeking to engage with feminist theory."
—Susan Sherwin, Dalhousie University
Review
"No other work gives one such a sense of the scope and substance of the major traditions of feminist theory. This richly transformed new edition of
Feminist Thought is an indispensable resource for those who want to understand the theoretical origins and complexities of contemporary feminist debates. Tong’s comprehensive understanding of feminist theory enabled her to craft an indispensable overview that clearly illustrates the challenges as well as the promises of the range of approaches, perspectives, and frameworks that comprise feminist efforts to identify sources of oppression and transform women’s status as the 'second sex.'"
—Nancy Tuana, Penn State University
Synopsis
A critical introduction to the major traditions of feminist theory, now with new considerations of care-focused, postcolonial, and third-wave feminism.
About the Author
Rosemarie Tong is distinguished professor of healthcare ethics in the department of philosophy and director of the Center for Professional Applied Ethics at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Internationally recognized for her contributions to feminist thought and bioethics, Dr. Tong is past coordinator of the International Network on Feminist Approaches to Bioethics, recent past Chair of the Committee on the Status of Women for the American Philosophical Association, and executive board member of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. Among her many publications are New Perspectives in Health Care Ethics: An Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Approach (2006) and Feminist Approaches to Bioethics (Westview Press).