Literary feminism

Susan Sheridan, Christina Stead, Key Women Writers, (Harvester Wheatsheaf). Hemel Hempstead, 1988; Janet Todd, Feminist Literary History, (Routledge), New York, 1988; Jane Heath, Simone de Beauvoir, Key Women Writers, (Harvester Wheatsheaf), Hemel Hempstead, 1989; Linda Kauffman, (ed.), Gender and Theory: Dialogues on Feminist Criticism, (Basil Blackwell), New York, 1989; Patricia Waugh, Feminine Fictions: Revisiting the Postmodern, (Routledge), London, 1989.     

Contradictions in teaching feminism

This paper is concerned with the tensions present in the teaching of a subject which has its roots in political struggle, and which questions the ‘value-free’ nature of academic discourse itself. How is it that one can teach feminism without resorting to polemics, yet not obscure the central political ramifications of feminism and feminist theory? The next issue for discussion is whether there are any first principles of feminism, and these are tentatively sketched-out. Then, the way in which these basic axioms might be taught without limiting the openness of academic criticism is considered and contrasted with the notion of “academic neutrality.” Finally, the dangers of producing a hollow conformity to feminist orthodoxy is posed as a possible problem.     

Anarchism and feminism

Abstract

Sharif Gemie has recently pointed out in Women's History Review, 5, (1996), pp. 417-444, that patriarchalism and adherence to strict gender roles in the early twentieth century were an integral part of French and Spanish anarchist political culture. Nevertheless, any analysis of the sexual politics of a particular movement must also take into account the sexual culture of the times and the role of the ‘homosexual menace’ in securing ‘correct’ heterosexual behaviour. This short article illustrates some of the wider influences on anarchists and attempts to show the importance of the fear of homosexuality as a disciplinary factor in the sexual politics of their movement.     

Fashion and feminism

Valerie Steele, Fashion and Eroticism: Ideals of Beauty from the Victorian Era to the Jazz Age (Oxford University Press), New York, 1985; Elizabeth, Wilson, Adorned in Dreams: Fashion and Modernity (Virago), London, 1985.     

Philosophy and feminism

Ellen Kennedy and Susan Mendus (eds) Women in Western Political Philosophy (Wheatsheaf Books) Brighton, Sussex, 1987; Gail Tulloch, Mill and Sexual Equality (Harvester Wheatsheaf) Hemel Hempstead, 1989; Andrea Nye, Feminist Theory and the Philosophies of Man (Routledge) New York, London, 1988.     

Teacher education and feminism

In this article I argue that recent years have seen a steady “reform” of teacher education. In the latest of a long line of initiatives, teaching is being restructured via a framework of National Professional Qualifications and Standards. These both centrally define the activity of teaching at various stages of the teaching “career” and establish new modes of progression for teachers. I argue that the framework neglects teachers' responsibilities in relation to social justice in ways that are particularly worrying for feminists. In addition, I argue that the masculinist nature of the standards, the managerialist restructuring of the social relations within schools, and the drive to recruit more men into teaching all connect to the international epidemic of concern about the “underachievement” of boys. The article draws evidence from two externally funded projects undertaken with Ian Hextall between 1995–1999.     

A centenary of organized feminism in Norway

Today's feminist movement in Norway, like that of other countries, builds on the ground prepared by the early feminists. Though in many respects differing from their sisters of the late nineteenth century, common characteristics between feminists past and present abound. Never very dominant in number, feminists now as then gradually win support for their views. Drawing on the experiences of early strategies, today's feminists widen the goals of feminism to include fundamental changes in the lives of both women and men. This achievement has in the case of Norway been assisted by favourable economic, social and political circumstances.