Feminism and Deconstruction [Paperback]

At last - an intelligent and accessible introduction to the relationship between feminism and deconstruction.
In this incisive and illuminating book, Diane Elam unravels:
* the contemporary relevance of feminism and deconstruction
* how we can still understand and talk about the materiality of women's bodies
* whether gender can be distinguished from sex
* the place of ethics and political action in the light of postmodernist theory.
Clearly and brilliantly written, Feminism and Deconstructionis essential reading for anyone who needs a no-nonsense but stimulating guide through one of the mazes of contemporary theory.1. Unnecessary Introductions: Introductions, Definitions, Theories, Movements, Philosophies, Cross-Disciplines, And, Estrangement, Tool-Boxes and Pedagogics, The Abyss, Obligations 2. Questions of Women: Undetermined or Determined? Her-story or His-story? Gender or Sex? Linguistic or Material Girl? 3. Towards a Groundless Solidarity: Political Differences, Subject to Change: Identity Politics, To Be Negotiated: The Politics of the Undecidable 4. Institutional Interruptions: Institutions? Academic? Disciplines? Philosophy? Women's Studies? The Future of Disciplinarity? 5. Groundless Solidarity: Ethical Activism, Turning Away From Subjective Agency, Taking a Distance From Pragmatism, Approaching the Impossible Justice