**For readers of Hood Feminism and Against White Feminism
An incisive examination of how the pillars of feminism have eroded—and how all women, not just the white neoliberals, can rebuild them**
The Freedom Myth offers a fresh analysis of today's mainstream feminist movement, arguing that the movement's central value on womens' individual freedoms has resulted in a brand of feminism that serves only a small minority of women and that actively excludes—if not harms—the majority.
Arguing that the future of the feminist movement depends on rejecting what the Serene Khader calls 'today's freedom feminism', Khader explores global and intersectional feminist lessons, presenting a much-needed solution: feminist activism that goes beyond freedom and is more politically impactful as a result.
A powerful alternative to white feminist, neoliberal feminist, and otherwise exclusionary feminist movements, Khader's proposed feminism draws from historical and contemporary women's movements around the world and ultimately centers equality over individual freedom.
Grounded in rich stories drawn from cultural and political movements and informed by Khader's unique expertise as both a political philosopher and as a scholar of global social movements, this book offers a positive vision that is capable of grounding feminist action.
Khader begins by debunking five myths of freedom feminism. These myths include:
-the pervasive idea that Western feminism should free "other" women from their cultures;
-the false assumption that we can effect social change by changing women, or other oppressed groups, in isolation;
-and the myth that it is inherently feminist to celebrate women's choices without first interrogating the limited menu of choices first presented to these women.
Throughout the book Khader draws on real world global feminist practices to build the case for a new feminism centered on equality. Arguing that only a feminism that is rooted in community and tackles inequality on the societal level is going to bring about widespread change, Khader shows that women of color, especially in the global south, have understood and practiced this feminism for a long time and insists that closer attention be paid to the lessons these women have to offer.
