Gender Inequality: Feminist Theories and Politics

by Judith Lorber

Lorber (City U. of New York) gives an overview of organized feminism, its types, its approach to gender equality, and its theories and politics. She then offers a series of classic and new readings in gender reform feminism (liberal, Marxist, socialist, post-colonial), gender resistance (radical, lesbian, psychoanalytic, standpoint) and gender rebellion feminism (multicultural, multiracial, feminist studies of men, social construction, post-modern, third wave). She closes by asking if we need a new feminism, particularly in terms of research, and provides a glossary and list of Internet resources. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Sociology, Gender

343 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 1998

About the author

Judith Lorber is Professor Emerita of Sociology and Women’s Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center and Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. She is a foundational theorist of social construction of gender difference.

Reviews

[ahmad afridi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good overview of feminism arranged in somewhat chronological order, explaining its evolution through new knowledge, from the first wave to the third wave. these different approaches were discussed chapter-wise with excerpts from representative feminist writers from that school. these excerpts were sometimes very boring and need further editing.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book achieved its intention of giving an overview of the major feminist theories. After reading this book, I have a much better knowledge of the feminisms discussed, including their specific contributions and politics as well as their similarities and differences with other feminisms. I also appreciated the inclusion of secondary source/article excerpts in each chapter. My class did find fault with Lorber's critiques of many of these feminisms as well as her handling of certain subjects, such as transgender individuals. Still, I enjoyed reading this book, and I found it to be much more engaging than the typical textbook (though perhaps the subject matter lends me a bias).

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a textbook read for school, but it's probably my favorite "textbook" I've ever encountered because it's so accessible.

Lorber introduces the reader to every concept thoughtfully and tactfully, so prior knowledge of feminism or feminist history is not required. She explains in the intro things like the gendered social order and what the heck "feminist theory and politics" even means.

She covers a vast array of feminist theory, from socialist feminism to Marxist feminism to ecofeminism to transnational feminism. She writes in a way that is not at all overwhelming, and includes just enough information in each chapter to leave you feeling satisfied with an introductory overview. The graceful teacher that she is, she also includes pages of resources and references at the end of each chapter for further reading, if one feels so inclined.

I have to say that this book changed my life. It changed my way of thinking, my ability to not just consume but to actively analyze, and gave me language with which to communicate my experiences and realities with people who may not fully understand at first.

She's inclusive and intersectional, and I do highly recommend everyone read this!! You don't even have to call yourself a feminist, just give it a try. :)

[Gebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent look at gender in a wide spectrum. The major weakness is Lorber's lack of depth in certain areas; however, if you consider its span, you'll also see there's not much room to delve into concepts fully (so, you can find what you like, then read about it) and for the uniformed reader, it's an excellent starting point. It's also great for feminist classes that are an overview of feminism rather than very topic orientated.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent overview of the different types of feminist theories. Could be organized better, and more information could be given. But, on the whole, a good mix of information that gives a good base for an introductory course. Easy reading and short chapters make it a good book to be assigned in class.

[Megan S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to a variety of feminist theories, their theoretical goals, policy initiatives, and criticisms. The points are well elaborated on through direct quotations from the work of prominent feminists and academics in the field. All in all this is an excellent text for students of gender or feminist studies as well as students of political science.

[Erik09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ladies dreams, nice

[Aimee Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As some others have stated, there is a lack of depth in some areas but overall it is good starting point for anyone interested in feminist theory.

[cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great resource.

[Sabir]

ok