1st Edition
Feminism in the United States A Concise Introduction
Feminism in the United States: A Concise Introduction presents readers with the key debates and ideas central to contemporary US feminism. With a focus on intersectionality, the book highlights the goals, tactics, and varieties of feminism.
This engaging, clear, and accessible text includes current examples, case studies, profiles of key figures in the movement, and opportunities/resources to gather more information. The reader will learn how to employ a feminist lens as an informed conversationalist, social media user, news consumer, and if so desired, activist. Readers will learn about the varieties of contemporary US feminism and how different strands of feminism emerge; the heterogeneity of the movement as it endures over generations in both hospitable and inhospitable climates; and the inequalities addressed and tactics used by feminists to create lasting social change.
Feminism in the United States is ideal for undergraduate students, particularly those enrolled in introductory classes in feminist, gender, and sexuality studies and related programs, as well as for the anyone seeking to explore feminism for the first time.
Introduction Chapter 1: What is Feminism and Who is a Feminist? Chapter 2: Varieties of Feminisms Chapter 3: Waveless Feminism and Movement Persistence Chapter 4: What do Feminists Care About? Chapter 5: How do Feminists Create Change? Chapter 6: What is the future of feminism and how can I live a feminist life?
Biography
Alison Dahl Crossley, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University. She is the author of Finding Feminism: Millennial Activists and the Unfinished Gender Revolution.
‘Capturing the diversity and complexity of feminism in accessible prose is no mean feat. Alison Crossley does it beautifully, shining a light on the people, ideas, and tactics that are changing our world for the better. As the saying goes, “Feminism is for everyone,” and so is this book.’
- Verta Taylor and Leila J. Rupp, coeditors of Feminist Frontiers‘Alison Crossley skillfully captures the complexity and importance—past and present—of the women’s movement in this concise, yet not overly simplified, introduction. She debunks myths and illuminates often-overlooked contributions to the movement, leaving the reader armed with frameworks to conduct their own feminist analysis. This is a foundational resource for people seeking to create a more equitable and inclusive world.’
- Lori Nishiura Mackenzie, Co-founder, Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab, Stanford University‘Centering women of color, lesbians and trans people, Crossley provides an accessible and engaging introduction to goals and tactics of intersectional feminisms in the United States over the last sixty years, defining key terms and offering helpful research prompts, activities and resources for a deeper understanding of contemporary feminisms.’
- Carrie N. Baker, Chair of the Program for the Study of Women and Gender and Sylvia Dlugasch Bauman Professor of American Studies, Smith College‘Alison Crossley’s A Concise Introduction to Feminism is a vivid, intersectional handbook that takes the feminist-curious reader through ideas and actions with well-chosen examples from classic texts and pop culture. A seasoned feminist teacher will appreciate the forthright answers (Why is it plural? Does it have to come in waves? What about men?) and resource lists that invite a deeper dive.’
- Anna Kirkland, Kim Lane Scheppele Collegiate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Michigan
