Animals and Women: Feminist Theoretical Explorations

Carol J. Adams, Josephine Donovan

Duke University Press, Nov 14, 1995 - Social Science - 381 pages

Animals and Women is a collection of pioneering essays that explores the theoretical connections between feminism and animal defense. Offering a feminist perspective on the status of animals, this unique volume argues persuasively that both the social construction and oppressions of women are inextricably connected to the ways in which we comprehend and abuse other species. Furthermore, it demonstrates that such a focus does not distract from the struggle for women’s rights, but rather contributes to it.
This wide-ranging multidisciplinary anthology presents original material from scholars in a variety of fields, as well as a rare, early article by Virginia Woolf. Exploring the leading edge of the species/gender boundary, it addresses such issues as the relationship between abortion rights and animal rights, the connection between woman-battering and animal abuse, and the speciesist basis for much sexist language. Also considered are the ways in which animals have been regarded by science, literature, and the environmentalist movement. A striking meditation on women and wolves is presented, as is an examination of sexual harassment and the taxonomy of hunters and hunting. Finally, this compelling collection suggests that the subordination and degradation of women is a prototype for other forms of abuse, and that to deny this connection is to participate in the continued mistreatment of animals and women.

What people are saying

Review: Animals and Women: Feminist Theoretical Explorations

User Review - Goodreads

From the few essays I had to read for a class, I still don't know how much I actually like this book. I guess I should probably rate essays one by one to be able to rate it correctly. But in any case, for anyone interested in ecofeminism, it should definitely go on to-read shelf.

Review: Animals and Women: Feminist Theoretical Explorations

User Review  - Peacegal - Goodreads

This rather weighty volume is a collection of scholarly essays exploring the interconnectedness between animal exploitation and human oppression. As can be expected from a compilation of many ...

Contents

• Joan Dunayer Sexist Words Speciesist Roots: 11
• Lynda Birke Exploringthe Boundaries Feminism Animals and Science: 32
• Carol J Adams WomanBattering and Harm to Animals: 55
• Marti Kheel License to Kill An Ecofeminist Critique of Hunters Discourse: 85
• Maria Comninou Speech Pornography and Hunting: 126
• Gary L Francione Abortion and Animal Rights Are They Comparable Issues?: 149
• Alternative Stories: 161
• Linda Vance Beyond JustSo Stories Narrative Animals and Ethics: 163
• Karen Davis Like a Chicken Farm Animals and the Feminine Connection: 192
• Diane Antonio Of Wolves and Women: 213
• Marian Scholtmeijer The Power of Otherness Animals in Womens Fiction: 231
• Reginald Abbott Birds Dont Sing in Greek Virginia Woolf and The Plumage Bill: 263
• Brian Luke Caming Ourselves or Going Feral? Toward a Nonpatriarchal Metaethic of Animal Liberation: 290
• Susanne Kappeler Speciesism Racism Nationalism or the Power of Scientific Subjectivity: 320
• Bibliography of Feminist Approaches to Animal Issues: 353
• Notes on Contributors: 363
• Index: 367

About the author

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Carol J. Adams is a writer and a professional consultant on issues of sexual harassment and sexual violence. She is the author of several books, including The Sexual Politics of Meat and, most recently, Neither Man nor Beast.

Josephine Donovan is Professor of English at the University of Maine, Orono. She is the author of many books, including Feminist Theory and the editor of Feminist Literary Criticism.

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Bibliographic information

• Title: Animals and Women: Feminist Theoretical Explorations
• Editors: Carol J. Adams, Josephine Donovan
• Contributor: Carol J. Adams
• Publisher: Duke University Press, 1995
• ISBN: 0822316676, 9780822316671
• Length: 381 pages
• Subjects: Nature / Animal Rights; Social Science / Feminism & Feminist Theory