Feminist Legal Theory: A Primer

by Nancy Levit, Rob Verchick

An updated edition of the praised primer for feminist legal theory and how it shapes contemporary gender issues

At long last, the complex field of feminist legal theory is presented in accessible, teachable form by two of its experts, Nancy Levit and Robert R. M. Verchick. In this outstanding primer, the authors introduce the diverse strands of feminist legal theory and the array of substantive legal issues relevant to women's and gender studies. The book centers on feminist legal theories―including equal treatment theory, cultural feminism, dominance theory, critical race feminism, lesbian feminism, postmodern feminism, and ecofeminism. The authors also address feminist legal methods, such as consciousness raising and storytelling.

The primer demonstrates the ways feminist legal theory operates in real-life contexts, including domestic violence, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, education, sports, pornography, and global issues of gender. Levit and Verchick highlight a sweeping range of cutting edge topics at the intersection of law and gender, such as single sex schools, women in the military, abortion, same sex marriage, date rape, and the international trafficking in women and girls.

At its core, Feminist Legal Theory shows the importance of the role of law and feminist legal theory in shaping contemporary gender issues.

Genres: Law, Legal, Feminism, Feminist Theory, Academic

254 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Levit is one of my professors and I read this during some research assistant work this past summer. It's incredible to compare legal norms before and after the 1960's/70's.

[kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm impressed by the thoroughness of this primer. Levit and Verchick cover so much: maternity leave, equal pay, the military's "don't ask don't tell" policy, same-sex education, athletics, abortion, child custody, rape, domestic violence, sex trafficking - just to name a few. For each issue discussed, the authors give brief legal and legislative histories, spell out current debates from all sorts of theoretical perspectives, and address the role of culture and the concerns of women at the intersection of race, class, sexual orientation, etc.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have been lucky enough to take several courses with nancy levit in law school. her book is considered the standard in feminist legal theory, and has challenged me, as a woman, to approach a hostile legal system with innovation and integrity.

she is one of the finest scholars i have had the privilege to study under.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for class, but I read every word! And it didn't feel like any of it went over my head, which is a good sign!