Publisher Description

This collection of essays by known 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 should be valuable reading for students and scholars of political and feminist theory.

Author Biography

Pamela Grande Jensen is professor of political science at Kenyon College.

Table of Contents

Fortune is a Woman - But So is Prudence - Machievelli's "Clizia", Catherine H. Zuckert; Montesquieu on "The Woman Question", Diana J. Schaub; What Sophie Knew - Rousseau's "Emile and Sophie, ou Les Solitaires", Ann Charney Colmo; The Comparative Politics of "The Portrait of the Lady", Lauren Weiner; Antigone's Daughters - the Mothers of the Disappeared, Jean Bethke Elshtain; Political Woman - Ancient Comedies and Modern Dilemmas, Arlene W. Saxonhouse; Toward a New - and Old - Feminism for Liberal Democracy, Mary P. Nichols. Appendix - "Emile and Sophie, or Solitary Beings", translated by Alice J. Harvey.

Review

Dissatisfied with contemporary feminism, the authors seek to improve it with analysis of the best thought of the past. They show their new feminism as much with the quality of their scholarship—revealing a sharp eye and a canny judgment—as with their conclusions. They believe that our liberalism needs, and deserves, to be rescued—and they are not going to wait for John Wayne to do it. -- Harvey C. Mansfield, Harvard University
Scores of works have promised a new feminism; this is the first that really delivers one. -- James Ceaser, University of Virginia
This collection of fine essays is a refreshing volume covering a whole range of issues and images from ancient political theory to contemporary film analysis. The book challenges feminist theorists to 'get real'. -- Jennifer Ring, University of Nevada

Long Description

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.

Review Quote

This collection of fine essays is a refreshing volume covering a whole range of issues and images from ancient political theory to contemporary film analysis. The book challenges feminist theorists to 'get real'.

Details