Feminism

Abstract

Feminism is defined by social and political movements on behalf of women, and as a critical orientation that initiates curiosity and consciousness about how gender hierarchy pervades institutions, state formations, economic structures, the constitution of racial and other forms of difference, the construction of desire, and the ability to embrace possibilities for freedom. It is arguably more accurate to speak of “feminisms” rather than “feminism,” and “movements” rather than a “movement,” as feminism's several movements and critical orientation are, and have always been, characterized by plural, internally contested visions and goals.