Getting Specific: Postmodern Lesbian Politics
The only book to debate lesbian political theory.
Whereas feminist theory divides between two strategies, one based on equality (or sameness) and the other on difference, this book proposes a new approach-specificity. We are neither simply "the same as" or "different from" one another, Shane Phelan observes, and any theory that assumes as much is mistaken and dangerous. Here Phelan offers an alternative, a "democratic identity politics," which recognizes the specifics of human experience and at the same time accounts for alliances and communities. Getting specific, she suggests, allows us to discover the networks of meaning and power that shape our lives and to discern and respect genuine individuality.
In particular, Phelan points out the pitfalls of a lesbian feminism that ignores the specificities of race. Drawing on the theory surrounding U.S. women of color, she shows how the failure of white lesbians to consider the role of race in their lives leads to inadequate social theory and political action. These failures in turn limit the possibilities for trust and cooperation across race, and thereby weaken all struggles for democratic change. Along the way to formulating a democratic identity politics out of her critique, Phelan examines concepts of power, justice, community, interest, and liberation. In developing a new vision of coalition and alliance for lesbian feminism, she opens a new course for all political and social theorists.Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0816621101
ISBN13:9780816621101
Release Date:December 1994
Publisher:University of Minnesota Press
Length:216 Pages
Weight:0.65 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 5.9" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
A must read for feminists, political activists, and students of all stripes.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Phelan's book is still cutting edge. She asks and answers important questions about how to identify political battles and mobilize for change. Should women fight for 'women's issues'? Does the entire GLBT community have a responsibility to each other to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to fight for marriage rights? Phelan's book offers an interesting insight into questions such as these and challenges many "party lines" about unity and political accomplishment. The book is brief and easy to read. A perfect text for a women's studies course or for anyone interested in political activism in the postmodern world.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
