Women's and gender studies theory question

[Imaginary]

Can anyone recommend a good starting point for feminist theory? I am utilizing Andrea Smith's work and also Anzaldua's hybridity theory in my M.A. thesis, but I need some general overview. 

[sarab]

I recommend reading Judith Butler, bell hooks, Sherry Ortner, Audre Lorde... I recommend looking into intersectional feminsim (i.e., the intersections of systematic oppressions like sex, gender, race, class, ability, sexuality, etc...)

[Meanyus]

What sarab suggested is an excellent starting place. The is an inherent problem in the question in that there are so many sections of feminist theory that it is difficult to send you in a particular direction.

 

Could you describe what you are doing research for so that we might give you a better reading list?

[Sijae]

It really depends on your topic.

[ms45]

Narayan's Dislocating Cultures seems like a perfect tie between the two women you mentioned, but may be a bit too similar if you're looking to stretch out into new areas. Regarding Anzaldúa's hybridity, check out both Puar on assemblages and Harraway on cyborgs. Depending on the literature you're used to or interested in, these may seem kind of abstract, but there are definite connections that may be useful for revealing new areas. Crenshaw's work on intersectionality is a good starting point too, but I would recommend it alongside "Intersectionality as Buzzword" by Kathy Davis. Good luck!

[mxaveryeverhart]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that here is where some trans studies stuff would be invaluable if you're reading about Anzaldua's hybridity and someone else suggested Puar...try Susan Stryker's piece "My Words to Victor Frankenstein From Above the Village of Chamounix: Performing Transgender Rage" and maybe some other stuff too

 

^but that could just be me always pushing trans studies work

[sarab]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that here is where some trans studies stuff would be invaluable if you're reading about Anzaldua's hybridity and someone else suggested Puar...try Susan Stryker's piece "My Words to Victor Frankenstein From Above the Village of Chamounix: Performing Transgender Rage" and maybe some other stuff too

 

^but that could just be me always pushing trans studies work

 

Yes, yes! Whipping Girl by Julia Serano is also great.

[mxaveryeverhart]

Yes, yes! Whipping Girl by Julia Serano is also great.

agreeeed. super duper duper fond of her work. and her spoken word stuff. i'm way into this new sort of genre of political and social analysis through personal experiences of trans folks (e.g. Janet Mock's book and my new obsession Redefining Realness UGHHHH dying).

 

anyways yeah. Guess I should've applied to Arizona instead of Rutgers...saw somewhere else on here that they got funding to hire four tenure track faculty in trans studies. #dead

[sarab]

agreeeed. super duper duper fond of her work. and her spoken word stuff. i'm way into this new sort of genre of political and social analysis through personal experiences of trans folks (e.g. Janet Mock's book and my new obsession Redefining Realness UGHHHH dying).

 

anyways yeah. Guess I should've applied to Arizona instead of Rutgers...saw somewhere else on here that they got funding to hire four tenure track faculty in trans studies. #dead

 

Sorry about that!

 

And I really want to read Janet Mock's book. She's flawless. I think her and Laverne Cox and other amazing trans women and activists are the voice of intersectional feminism of today.

[mxaveryeverhart]

Sorry about that!

 

And I really want to read Janet Mock's book. She's flawless. I think her and Laverne Cox and other amazing trans women and activists are the voice of intersectional feminism of today.

agreeeed. i am so here for this new wave (lol @ word choice) of feminism. so here for it.