Postmodern feminism

Postmodern feminism is a mix of postmodernism and French feminism[1] that rejects a universal female subject.[2][3] The goal of postmodern feminism is to destabilize the patriarchal norms entrenched in society that have led to gender inequality.[2] Postmodern feminists seek to accomplish this goal through opposing essentialism, philosophy, and universal truths in favor of embracing the differences that exist amongst women in order to demonstrate that not all women are the same.[3] These ideologies are rejected by postmodern feminists because they believe if a universal truth is applied to all women of society, it minimizes individual experience, hence they warn women to be aware of ideas displayed as the norm in society since it may stem from masculine notions of how women should be portrayed.[4]

Postmodern feminists seek to analyze any notions that have led to gender inequality in society. Postmodern feminists analyze these notions and attempt to promote equality of gender through critiquing logocentrism, supporting multiple discourses, deconstructing texts, and seeking to promote subjectivity. Postmodern feminists are accredited with drawing attention to dichotomies in society and demonstrating how language influences the difference in treatment of genders.[1][3]

The inclusion of postmodern theory into feminist theory is not readily accepted by all feminists—some believe postmodern thought undermines the attacks that feminist theory attempts to create, while other feminists are in favor of the union.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Sands, Roberta; Nuccio, Kathleen (Nov 1992). "Postmodern Feminist Theory and Social Work: A Deconstruction". Social Work. 37: 489. doi:10.1093/sw/40.6.831. ISSN 1545-6846.
  2. ^ a b Ebert, Teresa L. (Dec 1991). "The "Difference" of Postmodern Feminism". College English. 53 (8): 886–904. doi:10.2307/377692. ISSN 0010-0994. JSTOR 377692.
  3. ^ a b c Tong, Rosemarie (1989). Feminist thought : a comprehensive introduction. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press. pp. 217–224. ISBN 9780429493836. OCLC 1041706991.
  4. ^ Wallin, Dawn C (2001). Postmodern Feminism and Educational Policy Development. McGill Journal of Education. pp. 27–43. OCLC 967130390.