Reconstructing Womanhood, Reconstructing Feminism

the long version

Reconstructing Womanhood, Reconstructing Feminism is the first British feminist anthology to examine concepts of womanhood and feminism within the context of 'race' and ethnicity. Challenging contemporary feminist theory, the book highlights the ways in which constructions of womanhood have traditionally excluded Black women's experience - and proposes a reconsideration of terms such as 'feminist'. The research subjects and methods of many of the contributors have been shaped by the specifics of the Black British experience and context. Representing a variety of backgrounds including sociology, literary criticism, history and cultural theory, the collection makes new information accessible, adds fresh nuances to well-explored areas, reexamines old ideologies and uncovers previously concealed ones. This volume brings together various perspectives about 'difference' and identity. It covers a diverse range of social and cultural issues including the position of Black women in the church, lesbian identity in fiction, contemporary African feminism, and British immigration law.