What is the relevance of feminist thought to today's society? What do feminists mean by equality and difference? Can we find unity in feminist thought, or only conflict? This work provides an introduction to some of the major debates within feminist theory and action. Focusing on the perennial question of equality and difference, the book examines the ways in which this has been played out in different areas of feminist social and political theory. The author adopts focuses on issues rather than schools of thought. Among the subjects she examines are politics and women's citizenship, paid and unpaid employment and the global economy, sexuality and power, and race and ethnicity. Finally, the book analyzes the problem of essentialism for feminism and the challenge of postmodern and poststructuralist theories.

Author Biography

Jane Freedman is a lecturer in French and European politics at the University of Southampton. Her research focuses on gender and politics in Europe. Her previous publications include Femmes Politiques: Mythes et Symboles (1997) and Women, Immigration and Identities in France (2000).