Feminist Thought: A More Comprehensive Introduction (Dimensions in Philosophy) [Paperback]

Rosemarie Tong (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 27, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0813332958 | ISBN-13: 978-0813332956 | Edition: Second Edition

In this second edition of her 1989 survey on feminist theory, Rosemarie Tong provides a more comprehensive and substantially redrawn map of twentieth-century feminist thinking. Besides providing up-to-date coverage of liberal, radical (libertarian and cultural), and Marxist-socialist schools of feminism, she covers psychoanalytic, existentialist, and postmodern feminism. All the chapters have been rethought and new chapters on ecofeminism and multicultural and global feminism have been added.In the clear-sighted and accessible style for which has become known, Tong guides the reader through the complexities of even the most notoriously difficult thinkers. Students will become familiar with many of the essential figures in the feminist tradition as well as some of the issues that have been of special concern to women (e.g., pornography, reproductive technology, housework, the environment, and militarism). Moreover, students are repeatedly urged to consider the many differences that separate women (class, race, ethnicity, age, nationality, religion) as well as the sameness that continue to unite women.Tong treats all views with respect and encourages the reader to think both sympathetically and critically about what feminism is and what relevance it has to their own lives. As valuable as the first edition of Feminist Thought, this second edition surpasses its predecessor in depth and breadth. Clearly, Tong believes that feminist thought is still developing even as it approaches the millennium.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'I have no reservations in recommending this book. It is beautifully written [and] moves beyond old categories to situate strands of feminist thought in contemporary debates and issues. It has a very interesting reformulation of socialist-feminism and discussion of the debates around modernism and post-modernism. It will be widely used in feminist theory and women's studies courses, as well as a range of broader courses.' - Rosemary Pringle, Macquarie University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Rosemarie Tong is a Distinguished Professor of Health Care Ethics in the Department of Philosophy and Center for Professional Applied Ethics at the University of North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press; Second Edition edition (February 27, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813332958
• ISBN-13: 978-0813332956
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Nonfiction > Philosophy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro to the many feminisms, December 21, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Feminist Thought: A Comprehensive Introduction (Paperback)

This is the best source I've seen which defines the various feminisms (e.g. liberal, marxist, existentialist...) Tong describes the assumptions of each position and then presents supportive and opposing views. Her approach encourages the reader to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each position. Very balanced presentation with plenty of illustrative examples.

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, April 27, 2000

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[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: Feminist Thought: A More Comprehensive Introduction (Dimensions in Philosophy) (Paperback)

It is often hard to recommend books for first-timers. I have no compunction recommending this one to anyone taking their first stept into the complex world of feminism. As an introduction, its most valuable contribution lies in the intelligent manner almost all major thinkers were presented. The bibliography is also indispensible.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Descriptions, September 13, 2011

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Allison - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Feminist Thought: A More Comprehensive Introduction (Paperback)

This author provides an unbiased approach at describing different feminist theories and thoughts. It is well written and easy to read. I've been using this in a feminist theory class and it has provided me with excellent supplemental material.