Aspen Treatise for Introduction to Feminist Legal Theory

By Martha Chamallas

Book Overview

The leading text in the field, Introduction to Feminist Legal Theory was the first book that served as an introductory survey of feminist jurisprudence. Its historical view of feminist legal theory places issues in social context and thoroughly reviews the evolving paradigms of contemporary feminism from the 1970s through the present. The full range of legal issues affecting women are covered, including gender discrimination, rape, sexual harassment, motherhood, reproductive issues, and much more. Clear, energetic presentation keeps students engaged and involved with succinct overviews, intellectually stimulating material, and jargon-free prose.

The Third Edition features up-to-date theories and topics, such as the "autonomy" feminism and "masculinities" theory. Expansion of the current theory-based structure includes the "big three" feminisms described in the previous edition and the "new three" feminisms, which are expanded in the third edition. New applied areas are covered as well, such as transgender legal issues and sex trafficking. While the book remains U.S.-focused, important new material on global and comparative feminism has been added. Throughout the text, students will find discussion about changes in the law since 2003 on issues such as rape, pay equity, sex stereotyping, marriage equality, Title IX, and more.

Thoroughly updated, the revised Third Edition presents:

Up-to-date theories and topics"autonomy" feminism, "masculinities" theory, "social justice" feminismLGBT and critical race perspectivesaTwo-part organization, focusing on chronology and substantive areas of the law that are of particular importance to feminist legal scholarsPart one focuses on chronology by examining the three generations of feminist legal theory that have emerged since 1971 the Generation of Equality (1970s)the Generation of Difference (1980s)the Generation of Complex Identities (1990s to present)this part will also include the "new three" feminisms in the 3rd edition (intersectional, autonomy and postmodern feminism)Part two focuses on substantive areas of the law, which fall into three categories economic subordination of womensexual subordination of womenmotherhood and reproductionIntroduction of new applied areastransgender legal issuessex traffickingreproductive justice More material on global and comparative feminism, while remaining U.S.-focusedDiscussion of changes in the law since 2003rapedomestic violencepay equitytorts and tax lawsame-sex marriage Title IX, and more

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1454802219
• ISBN13: 9781454802211
• Release Date: January 2012
• Publisher: Aspen Publishing
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Best Book on Feminist Legal Theory on the Market

This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in feminist theory and what it might mean for the study of law. The writing is clear and engaging, perfect for undergraduates (should be mandatory reading for all women's studies students!) and law students alike. Even established feminist scholars would benefit from its insightful analysis of cases and legal concepts. The book does an outstanding job of exploring the multiplicity of views on what it means to be a feminist and to take a feminist approach to the study of law. It also engages timely debates on the role of biology and right-wing attacks on feminism, as well as recent feminist interest in global equality and human rights. Sections on applied feminist scholarship take an in-depth look at dynamic issues such as workplace equality, sexuality, and reproductive rights. This truly is the best book on feminist legal theory I have seen on the market!