Contemporary feminist utopianism1996

Contemporary Feminist Utopianism explores current debates within utopian studies, feminist theory and poststructuralist deconstruction. Utopian thinking is offered as a route out of the dilemma of contemporary feminism as well as a way of conceptualizing its current situation. This book provides an exploration of, and exercise in, utopian thought.Divided into three parts, part one is concerned with approaches to utopianism. The approach taken to a phenomenon or idea informs the way that phenomenon or idea will be conceptualized. Different ways of approaching utopianism are examined and challenged. The function of utopian thought, it is suggested, is profoundly transgressive; it provokes paradigm shifts in consciousness. By reference to debates in contemporary feminism and through an exploration of the difference between utopian and poststructuralist thought, part two illustrates that this approach is the most appropriate when conceptualizing contemporary feminism. The third part of the study incorporates a thematic discussion of feminist utopian literature.A new and challenging entry into the debates between feminism and postmodernism, Contemporary Feminist Utopianism challenges some basic preconceptions about the role of political theory today. It offers a new way forward to those frustrated with traditional academic approaches to the world.