Feminism, Capitalism and the Cunning of History Cover Image

Feminismus, kapitalismus a lest dějin
Feminism, Capitalism and the Cunning of History

Author(s): Nancy Fraser
Subject(s): Gender Studies
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Sociologický ústav
Keywords: feminist movement; state -organized capitalism; neoliberalism

Summary/Abstract: Building on historical narrative and social -theoretical analysis, Fraser explores the place of second -wave feminism in relation to three specific moments in the history of capitalism. The first point refers to the movement’s beginnings in the context of ‘state -organized capitalism’. The second point refers to the process of feminism’s evolution in the dramatically changed social context of rising neoliberalism. And the third point refers to a possible reorientation of feminism in the present context of capitalist crisis and US political realignment, which for her could mark the beginning of a shift from neoliberalism to a new form of social organization. Orienting her analysis around four key points of feminist critique–androcentrism, economism, étatism and Westphalianism–Fraser charts a fascinating journey of second -wave feminism since the 1960s to identify a “dangerous liaison” second -wave feminism developed with capitalism. She concludes that in order to reclaim second -wave feminism as a robust critique conjoining both claims for recognition and redistribution– which were unlinked during the period of rising neoliberalism–feminism needs to become more historically self -aware.

  • Issue Year: 10/2009
  • Issue No: 02
  • Page Range: 3-11
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Czech