While it is uncontroversial to point to the liberal roots of feminism, a major issue in English-language feminist political thought over the last few decades has been whether feminism's association with liberalism should be relegated to the past. Can liberalism continue to serve feminist purposes? This book examines the positions of three contemporary feminists - Martha Nussbaum, Susan Moller Okin and Jean Hampton - who, notwithstanding decades of feminist critique, are unwilling to give up on liberalism. This book examines why, and in what ways, each of these theorists believes that liberalism offers the normative and political resources for the improvement of women's situations. It also brings out and tries to explain and evaluate the differences among them, notwithstanding their shared allegiance to liberalism. In so doing, the books goes to the heart of recent debates in feminist and political theory.

About the Author
Ruth Abbey is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. She is also the author of Charles Taylor (Acumen, 2000).

Reviews
"A meticulously researched, thoughtful, and clearly written discussion of crucial developments in feminist liberal theory over the past fifty years. A tremendously valuable contribution to feminist theory.A" - Molly Shanley, Vassar College "It is likely to become the go-to resource for scholars and students interested in liberal feminism, or feminist liberalism." - Amy Baehr, Hofstra University, New York



Book Information
ISBN 9781844652709
Author Ruth Abbey
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Acumen Publishing Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g