Finding a New Feminism Rethinking the Woman Question for Liberal Democracy

by Jensen, Pamela Grande; Colmo, Ann Charney; Elshtain, Jean Bethke; Harvey, Alice J.; Nichols, Mary P.; Saxonhouse, Arlene W.; Schaub, Diana J.; Weiner, Lauren; Zuckert, Catherine H.

• ISBN13: 9780847681891
• ISBN10: 0847681890
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-09-19
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Summary

This collection of original essays by prominent scholars of political theory contends that contemporary ideas of feminism have reached a theoretical impasse because they are unable to reconcile tensions between principles such as equality and difference. Finding A New Feminism places modern concepts of feminism within the historical context of political thought and uses feminism as a lens through which to examine the strengths and weaknesses of liberal democracy, both in practice and in theory. By reconsidering classic works of literature, philosophy, and political theory, the authors identify certain deficiencies of liberal democracy but do not call for its complete abandonment. Instead, they present a new theory of feminism that fosters the reconciliation of conflicting and competing principles, as well as the private and public realms of women's lives. This is compulsory reading for students and scholars of political and feminist theory.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction	p. 1
Fortune Is a Woman - But So Is Prudence: Machiavelli's Clizia	p. 23
Montesquieu on "The Woman Problem"	p. 39
What Sophie Knew: Rousseau's Emile et Sophie, ou Les Solitaires	p. 67
Exporting the "Self-Made Girl": The Comparative Politics of The Portrait of a Lady	p. 93
The Mothers of the Disappeared: An Encounter with Antigone's Daughters	p. 129
Political Woman: Ancient Comedies and Modern Dilemmas	p. 149
Toward a New - and Old - Feminism for Liberal Democracy	p. 171
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Emile and Sophie, or Solitary Beings	p. 193
Index	p. 237
About the Contributors	p. 245
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.