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what is it about?
what is it about?
Feminist and queer theory in literature examine gender, sexuality, and power. Feminist theory challenges gender inequality, while queer theory explores non-normative sexualities. Both aim to disrupt societal norms and promote inclusivity in literature.
applications
applications
An LL student might consider the AOE: Time and Space, reflecting on how the works they are studying shine a light on how important cultural or historical context can affect the production and reception of a text. For example, you might look at Shakespeare's Measure for Measure and reflect on this work in light of the sexual exploitation of women; this could be usefully compared to the PSA's of Tarana Burke in the wake of the #metoo movement in an IO.
questions
questions
How are women and men represented in the text you are studying? To what extent do they conform to or challenge gender norms and stereotypes, and how are they treated as a result?
How many female and male authors feature in your course of study? To what extent do male and female readers conform to gender norms in their reading habits? Do male writers and female writers have different concerns and approaches?
1. **First Wave (late 19th to early 20th century):**
- **Goal:** The first wave focused primarily on achieving legal and political equality for women, particularly in the context of voting rights (suffrage).
- **Achievements:** The suffragette movement was instrumental in gaining women the right to vote in many countries. Other goals included property rights, access to education, and improved working conditions.
2. **Second Wave (1960s to 1980s):**
- **Goal:** This wave sought to address broader issues of social, economic, and cultural inequalities. It challenged traditional gender roles and norms, as well as systemic discrimination.
- **Achievements:** Second wave feminism led to significant advancements in reproductive rights (including the legalization of abortion), workplace rights, and an increased focus on issues like domestic violence and sexual harassment. The concept of intersectionality also emerged, recognizing that the experiences of women are shaped by factors such as race, class, and sexual orientation.
3. **Third Wave (early 1990s to early 2000s):**
- **Goal:** The third wave aimed to expand the feminist agenda to include a more diverse range of voices and experiences. It sought to challenge stereotypes and embrace individualism.
- **Achievements:** The third wave placed a strong emphasis on cultural and media representation, as well as issues of sexuality, body image, and sex positivity. It also advocated for greater inclusivity, recognizing that feminism needed to address the concerns of women from all backgrounds.
4. **Fourth Wave (mid-2000s to present):**
- **Goal:** The fourth wave builds on the third wave and is heavily influenced by technology and social media. It focuses on issues like online harassment, reproductive justice, and global feminism.
- **Achievements:** The fourth wave continues the work of previous waves while leveraging digital platforms for advocacy, awareness, and organizing. It also addresses evolving challenges related to gender and sexuality, including transgender rights and non-binary inclusivity.
5. **Intersectional Feminism (ongoing, crosscuts all waves):**
- **Goal:** Intersectional feminism emphasizes the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression, including race, class, sexuality, and gender identity. It strives for a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of feminism.
- **Achievements:** Intersectionality has pushed feminism to be more inclusive and attentive to the experiences of women who face multiple forms of discrimination. It has also led to a greater recognition of the need for solidarity and allyship across various social justice movements.
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