The Feminine Subject

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In 1949, Simone de Beauvoir posed the question, "What does it mean to be a woman?" Her exploration initiated a significant transformation in the understanding of "woman," shaping the trajectory of feminist theory. Beauvoir revealed the challenges of defining "woman" as an equal within the existing philosophical and political frameworks, prompting a redefinition that set the stage for future feminist discourse. Susan Hekman's engaging new work traces the evolution of the concept of "woman" from Beauvoir to contemporary thinkers. She synthesizes the contributions of various feminist theorists, including French feminists Luce Irigaray and Helene Cixous, as well as Carol Gilligan, Carole Pateman, and Judith Butler. The book delves into themes such as the relational self, feminist liberalism, Marxism, and theories addressing race, ethnicity, radical feminism, postmodern feminism, and material feminism. Hekman posits that redefining "woman" is a cumulative endeavor, with each theoretical approach building upon its predecessors. Despite differing perspectives, feminist theorists have transcended traditional negative definitions to forge a dynamic and evolving concept of "woman." This analysis offers a succinct yet comprehensive overview that will resonate with feminist scholars, students, and anyone interested in the evolution of feminism since the 1950s.