Changing the Wor(l)d: Discourse, Politics and the Feminist Movement

By Stacey Young

Changing the Wor(l)d draws on feminist publishing, postmodern theory and feminist autobiography to powerfully critique both liberal feminism and scholarship on the women's movement, arguing that both ignore feminism's unique contributions to social analysis and politics. These contributions recognize the power of discourse, the diversity of women's experiences, and the importance of changing the world through changing consciousness.

Young critiques social movement theory and five key studies of the women's movement, arguing that gender oppression can be understood only in relation to race, sexuality, class and ethnicity; and that feminist activism has always gone beyond the realm of public policy to emphasize improving women's circumstances through transforming discourse and consciousness. Young examines feminist discursive politics, critiques social science methodology, and proposes an alternative approach to understanding the women's movement.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415913772
• ISBN13: 9780415913775
• Release Date: February 1997
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Read this book.

Read this book. If you care about how real social change is made, especially in the context of the women's movement, then this book is a must. Young's incisive look at feminist publishing of writings by women of color, lesbians and others who have been sidelined in both mainstream society and in the women's movement concisely and coherently demonstrates the ways that liberalism can elide the power of the "personal" and obscure where the potential for real change resides. Her prose is crystal clear (oh so refreshing in an academic book), and her carefully articulated argument draws from-and makes sense of-such diverse discussions as postmodern theory, feminist autobiography and social movement studies. Young points the way toward truly coming to grips with the murkiness and power of diversity, in a way that is useful for both academics and activists. The discussion of Cherríe Moraga's and Minnie Bruce Pratt's work is particularly compelling, and the section on feminist publishers is revealing. But the book as a whole is exquisitely provocative-a gem for those of us who are trying to make the world into a more egalitarian, more just place for all.