Rational Woman: A Feminist Critique of Dichotomy

Prokhovnik, Raia (2002). Rational Woman: A Feminist Critique of Dichotomy. Manchester University Press.

URL: http://www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/catalog...

Abstract

This comprehensive, analytical study considers the way in which the mind/body dichotomy has perpetuated social hierarchy on the basis of gender, and challenges the tradition of dualism, arguing that the term "rational woman" is possible - it is not a contradiction in terms. It develops an argument for a new relational conception of all the terms involved in the text, emphasizing the relationship of interdependence of reason and emotion, man and woman, rather than placing these terms in hierarchical and polarized opposition. It also proposes that all these terms - reason, emotion, rationality - need reconceptualizing, as a plausible idea and a fruitful conjunction. Raia Prokhovnik makes the case that the future of feminism lies in the emergence of a third wave, bringing with it a relational, non-dichotomous mode of thinking and approach to social values.

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