Sexual Subversions

Introducing the work of three French feminists - Julia Kristeva, Luce Irigaray and Michele L Doeuff - "Sexual Subversions" provides access to the work of these writers. In doing so this book raises some key issues of relevance to feminist research, addressing debates around the nature of feminist theory; the relationship between feminist thinking theory; the relationship between feminist thinking and male-dominatd areas of knowledge; the strategies appropriate for developing non-patriarchal or woman-centred knowledges. While Kristeva, Irigaray and Le Doeuff do not present a common political or theoretical position, each usefully highlights the differences of the others. Each addresses the questions of women's autonomy from male definition, seeking out a femininity women can use to question patriarchy norms and reject the pre-ordained positions partriarchy allots to woman. No book on French feminists would be complete without including the contributions of Kristeva and Irigaray. The inclusion of Le Doeuff's work, which brings a different perspective to bear on the question of sexual difference, provides a counterbalance to literary appropriations of French feminism by Anglo--American readerships. Kristeva, Irigaray and Le Doeuff are the focal points of this study, precisely because each highlights the differences of the others, revealing the frameworks to which the others are committed. Nevertheless, while these writers do not present a common political or theoretical position or form a school, each does address the question of women's autonomy from male definition, affirms the sexual specificity of women, seeks out a feminity women can use to question the patriarchal norms and ideals of feminity and rejects the preordained positions patriarchy allots to woman. "Elizabeth Grosz teaches philosophy at the University of Sydney and is the author of a forthcoming study of Jacques Lacan. Among the many works to which she has contributed are "Feminist challenges" and "Crossing boundaries" (both Allen & Unwin).". This book is intended for students and researchers in women's studies , philosophy and feminism.