An Introduction to Feminism

Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy

by Lorna Finlayson

As well as providing a clear and critical introduction to the theory, this refreshing overview focuses on the practice of feminism with coverage of actions and activism, bringing the subject to life for newcomers as well as offering fresh perspectives for advanced students. Explanations of the main strands to feminism, such as liberalism, sit alongside an exploration of a range of approaches, such as radical, anarchist and Marxist feminism, and provide much-needed context against which more familiar historical themes may be understood. The author's broad and inclusive view conveys the diversity and disagreement within feminism with accessible clarity. The analysis of key terms equips readers with a critical understanding of the vocabulary of feminist debates that will be invaluable to undergraduate students.

Genres: Feminism, Philosophy, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2015

Reviews

[Gabriel the Apostle]

Everything else not counted, this book deserves 1 star only because author says that unlike sex races don't have objective basis.

[Lou’s stories]

2.5⭐️

If I hadn’t had to read this for my social psychology class I probably would have dnf-ed this one… Though it is coming of as smart and thoughtful it is NOT the easy intro its meant to be. Some parts drag or repeat, and the writing is clear but also very dry…I’d say its def more for people already into political theory than total beginners.
However it does have some good insights on feminism but leaves some key points unexplained. I suggest to read the table of contents first and if you are not familiar with some of these theories and topics I would not recommend to read this as an introduction to feminism!

I also want to add that the takes on racism this author made where NOT necessary…………..

[Jayden King]

I found this a pretty interesting, though hardly exhaustive, introduction.

[Kendall Gardner]

read this today because my department assigned it for my students to read over the summer - I think for their purposes it will be instructive and its nice that there is a text out there that attempts to define feminism in its radical/marxist/anarchist context from the get-go. however, for my purposes, I have some criticisms of the arguments and found some of the descriptions to be repetitive. still glad that my students are reading it though (well... at least hopefully they are)

[Gaia]

Meh.
I had other expectations. Some parts were ok, others were questionable (yes, I am talking about the part about sex/gender and race💀).
It was ok, I don’t think that I could count how introduction to feminism, philosophical speaking, the main subject was “political”, with the feminism in a Marxist key.

[Faruk]

Solid argumentation, clear language, and insightful observations. Superb book, highly recommended.

[Benham Cobb]

I’m a man

[Khazziro]

Interesting, some basics about feminism, good for an introduction for someone with 0 idea.

[Justin Lam]

Concepts and arguments are quite clear, but ideas are repetitive and discussion is prolonged.