Feminism is Queer: The intimate connection between queer and feminist theory

by Mimi Marinucci

Overview

Feminism is Queer is an introduction to the intimately related disciplines of gender and queer theory. Whilst guiding the reader through complex theory, the author develops the original position of queer feminism, which presents queer theory as continuous with feminist theory. Whilst there have been significant conceptual tensions between second wave feminism and traditional lesbian and gay studies, queer theory offers a paradigm for understanding gender, sex and sexuality that avoids the conflict in order to develop solidarity among those interested in feminist theory and those interested in lesbian and gay rights.

An essential guide to anyone with an interest in gender or sexuality, this accessible and comprehensive textbook carefully explains nuanced theoretical terminology and provides extensive suggested further reading to provide the reader with full and thorough understanding of both disciplines.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780320236
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	10/15/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	854 KB

About the Author

Mimi Marinucci completed a Ph.D. in philosophy and a graduate certificate in women's studies from Temple University in 2000. Currently serving as associate professor of philosophy and women's&gender studies at Eastern Washington University, Marinucci teaches courses on feminism, philosophy, and feminist philosophy. Marinucci, who is especially interested in the subjective and social aspects of knowledge production, particularly knowledge produced around issues of gender and sexuality, is the author of of several articles that employ references from popular culture in the service of a more scholarly agenda. Examples include 'There's Something Queer About The Onion' (forthcoming in The Onion and Philosophy, edited by Sharon Kaye, Open Court), 'What's Wrong with Porn?' (forthcoming in Pornography and Philosophy, edited by Dave Monroe, Wiley-Blackwell), 'Television, Generation X, and Third Wave Feminism: A Contextual Analysis of the Brady Bunch' (Journal of Popular Culture, Volume 38, Number 3, February 2005), and 'Feminism and the Ethics of Violence: Why Buffy Kicks Ass' (in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy: Fear and Trembling in Sunnydale, edited by James B. South, Open Court, 2003). Marinucci is also the founding editor of Wave 2.5: A Feminist Zine, a two-time Utne Independent Press Award nominee (2005, 2009).

Table of Contents

Preface: Not Just the New "Gay"
SECTION I: SEXUALITY
1. The Social Construction of Sexuality
2. The Social History of Lesbian and Gay Identity
3. Queer Alternatives
SECTION II: SEX
4. Unwelcome Interventions
5. Welcome Transformations
SECTION III: GENDER
6. Gender Defined and Undefined
7. Feminism Examined and Explored
SECTION IV: QUEER FEMINISM
8. Notes Toward a Queer Feminism
Appendix: Terms and Concepts
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

In this slim volume, Mimi Marinucci handily synthesizes new and classic theories regarding cultural and scientific definitions of sex, gender, and sexuality in a comprehensive text that is both lucid and erudite. The final section on queer feminism offers hopeful suggestions for a more effective fusion of these two overlapping fields of theory and practice. Feminism Is Queer is well-organized and conveniently cross-referenced throughout, allowing chapters and sections to be read independently or as a whole. Recommended reading lists, in addition to reference lists, are an extra feature for classroom use. The selection of L. Frank Baum epigraphs adds a welcome touch of whimsy. This book will surely become required reading in many courses in Women's and Gender Studies and in Sexuality Studies. It will be an excellent supplement to any reading list.” —Elizabeth Arveda Kissling, Eastern Washington University

“Mimi Marinucci's engaging new book, Feminism is Queer, offers a readily accessible examination of the concepts, questions and theories at the intersection of gender, sex, and sexuality. This brief yet comprehensive book is perfect for anyone who is interested in the origins and meanings of the concept 'queer,' but is dissatisfied with the overly simple treatment it is given in the popular media and is discouraged or intimidated by the impenetrable jargon of scholarly writing. Marinucci's impressive interdisciplinary depth and breadth combine with a readily accessible writing style to make Feminism is Queer a lucid and intelligent treatment of an essentially complex and controversial concept.” —Feminism is Queer would be an excellent text for a wide range of introductory level feminist/gender/women's studies courses, grounded in any number of disciplines. Keenly aware of the way individuals construct knowledge, of how we all come to a deeper understanding of complex concepts and theories, Marinucci offers contextualized explanations of relevant concepts and terms as they are introduced in each chapter, provides easily understandable illustrations of complex ideas, and astutely cautions readers against common confusions and problematic inferences. Throughout, she situates the discussion of queerness in historical, cross-cultural, scientific and philosophical contexts in a way that deepens the reader's understanding of the intersection of gender, sex, and sexuality.' Nancy Slonneger Hancock, Northern Kentucky University

“In wonderfully lucid, accessible, and penetrating analyses, Mimi Marinucci makes the case that feminist and queer theory are inseparable allies” —or should be

From the Publisher