CASTRO GINETTE RADIOSCOPIE DU FÉMINISME AMÉRICAIN ,

PARIS: PRESSES DE LA FONDATION NATIONALE DES SCIENCES POLITIQUES 1981

CHAPTER: 3

CASTRO GINETTE : EGALITARIAN FEMINISM

Castro Ginette shows how egalitarian feminist have been fighting over these years for an

egalitarian society in which women and men will be equal. Indeed, she shows this through

several points. First, the author addresses the theological argument or the negation of the

divine plan. Here, according to egalitarian feminists such as Christina de Pisan, religion is the

means which made it possible to convince women of an inferiority included in the divine

project. Mary Daly in "the City of Ladies" said that woman is the equal of man by virtue of

her origin. In addition, there is this point where feminists argue that full equality requires

work and availability of women. Those who follow the NOW want complete equality of

rights, a total right to work, that is to say to all jobs and all the advantages linked to these jobs.

Also the right to availability at all levels and to get rid of pregnancies. Betty Friedan believes

that these rights are essential things that women should not be deprived of. This would keep

them in the condition of sexual objects. Also it is necessary to mention the idea of reformism

and sexual discrimination. Mary Daly, denounced the anarchism of the church which does not

correspond to the present sociological reality and the imposture of those who maintained it in

the name of a law of nature affirming the inferiority of women and the the inevitability of

sexual roles. Feminists like Marijean Suelzle and Jessie Bernard think that women are

oppressed because the system of employment is unfair, so there is a notion of discrimination.

From 1967 to 1969 Feminist only used this term to denounce several attitudes. To Caroline

Bird, certain masculinists agree with the idea of women's work, they are the new ones her,

Because there is a lack of laborer. Not only that but also the idea of tackling myths. Marijean

Suelzle denounced (03) three myths: women are less successful than men. Women are less

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motivated, there are innate intellectual differences between sexes, with the aim of awakening

the critical thinking of women on a current reality. Responsibilities within households must be

shared equitably. Gloriah Steinien and Caroline Bird believe that women should be paid for

domestic works. After that, there is were need to found the Women's Equity Action League

(WEAL) associated with NOW in the struggle for employment and amendment. Ultimately ,

there is Betty Friedan's judgment on women's movement.She claims that ,the arguments and

tensions within women's movement are what strengthen their adversaries.

CHAPTER 4

CASTRO GINETTE : Radicalism Feminism

Castro Ginette focuses on an in-depth analysis of representations of women in literature,

with an emphasis on gender stereotypes, social roles, and cultural norms. The author also

explores how women writers have been historically excluded or marginalized in literary

canons, as well as issues of representation, authority, and expression in literature.

The chapter begins by examining the various feminist theories that have influenced literary

criticism and feminist thought, with an emphasis on how these approaches have challenged

patriarchal structures and traditional representations of women

. The author also addresses the issue of the female voice in literature, examining how female

writers have challenged norms of female representation and have often been subject to

prejudice and social constraints. Castro Ginette then explores the different ways in which

women have been represented in literature throughout the ages, examining female characters,

narrative structures and the social roles assigned to women. It highlights how these

representations have varied according to historical contexts, literary genres and cultural

frameworks, thus highlighting the complexity of questions of gender and representation in

literature.

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In addition, the author addresses discourses on sexuality, motherhood, sexualization and

victimization of women in literature, highlighting the ways in which these representations

have influenced social perceptions and identity constructions of women. She also highlights

the efforts made by feminist writers to challenge and deconstruct these discourses, giving

voice to women and highlighting their experiences and perspectives.

Finally, the chapter critically examines the challenges and prospects of feminist literary

criticism in the contemporary context, highlighting the theoretical, political and aesthetic

issues underlying this discipline. The author encourages the reader to think about ways to

challenge established literary and cultural norms, while emphasizing the importance of

elevating women's voices and advocating for more inclusive and egalitarian literary

representation.

CHAPTER 5

CASTRO GINETTE : The Feminist Theory of Androgyny

She explores the concept of androgyny from a feminist perspective. The chapter begins by

discussing the historical context of androgyny, highlighting how it has been traditionally

associated with masculinity and seen as a desirable trait for men. However, the author argues

that this traditional understanding of androgyny is limited and fails to consider the

experiences and perspectives of women. Ginette Castro then introduces the feminist theory of

androgyny, which challenges the traditional understanding by emphasizing the importance of

incorporating both masculine and feminine qualities in individuals, regardless. challenges the

by chapter identity it by Castro argues and embrace selves from the constraints of gender

stereotypes. By embracing both masculine and feminine qualities, individuals can develop a

more holistic and balanced sense of self. Furthermore, the chapter explores the implications of

the feminist theory of androgyny for relationships and power dynamics. The author suggests

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that androgynous individuals are more likely to engage in egalitarian relationships, where

power is shared and decisions are made collectively. This challenges traditional gender roles

and promotes a more equal and respectful dynamic between partners. Overall, chapter five of

"The Feminist Theory of Androgyny" by Castro Ginette provides a comprehensive overview

of the feminist perspective on androgyny. It highlights the importance of embracing both

masculine and feminine qualities, challenging traditional gender roles, and promoting gender

equality in society.

CHAPTER 6

CASTRO GINETTE: Feminist literary critics

author explores the different approaches and methods used by feminist critics

Such as the troublesome Helpmate published in 1966 by Katharine Roger, thinking about the

women work by the great genre specialist Mary Ellmann published in 1968 to analyze literary

works. It also highlights the importance of this criticism in the context of the fight for gender

equality and the valorization of women's voices in literature. This is best illustrated with the

Women’s Movement which makes women the torchbearers of the family. Consequently, the

editorialists of Female studies take the feminine gender to categorically refuse the order which

has been attributed to her since her birth which is that she was condemned to play her role as a

woman and that because she is a woman she should not do what man was supposed to do.

Regarding the Study of Masculine Gestal Castro Ginette begins by discussing the idea that

traditional language and narrative structures have often been used to oppress and marginalize

women in literature She emphasizes that feminist critics seek to question these norms and

explore new forms of literary expression which is a prison for women for Katharine Roger

this oppressive tendency is perceptible among the Greeks, and the Romans who for them, the

'Patriarchal ideology only belongs to man and those since the Middle Ages it is in the 19th

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and 20th century that the dichotomy is turning against the denominator sex for those who

needed protection the manifestation of it is characterized by the medieval virgin and the

Victorian lily. As for Mary Ellmann, literature has always gratified women, it offers

contradictory couples who live in chastity implying domination, frigidity, intuition,

irrationality. The Development of a New Gestalt responds to a set of standards addressed to all

those women who would like to advocate feminism, the works must be, according to Chéri

Register, focused on 5 essential points which are:

1) serve as a forum for women

2) help with cultural androgyny

3) provide exemplary roles

4) promote sorority

5) promote the awakening of consciousness He continues in these terms: literature should

express itself in this way so that the feminine gender feels safe.

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MOI, Toril sexual Textual Politics: Feminist Literary Theory London/New York: Routledge,

1985

Chapter 2

Moi, Toril: Images of Women criticism

Chapter 2 of the book "Images of Woman's Criticism" by Toril Moi explores the different

approaches to feminist criticism of art and literature. Moi begins by discussing the notion of

“woman” as a social and cultural category, and emphasizes that women are not a homogenous

group, but rather diverse and complex.

She then examines the different feminist theories that have emerged over the years, including

difference feminism, equality feminism and deconstruction feminism.

Moi points out that these different approaches have different perspectives on the question of

female identity and how women are represented in art and literature.

Moi also criticizes certain feminist theories that essentialize women and reduce their identity

to biological or cultural characteristics.

She argues. that these approaches limit understanding of the diversity of women's experiences

and do not allow for nuanced feminist critique.

Finally, Moi addresses the issue of the representation of women in art and literature, and

highlights the importance of taking into account the historical and cultural context in which

these works were created.

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She also criticizes the idea that women should be represented in a positive or idealized way,

arguing that this limits artistic freedom and the possibility of representing the complex reality

of women's condition.

In summary, chapter 2 of "Images of Chapter 2 of the book "Images of Woman's Criticism" by

Toril Moi explores the different approaches to feminist criticism of art and literature. Moi

begins by discussing the notion of " "woman" as a social and cultural category, and

emphasizes that women are not a homogeneous group, but rather diverse and complex.

She then examines the different feminist theories that have emerged over the years, including

difference feminism, equality feminism and deconstruction feminism.

Moi points out that these different approaches have different perspectives on the question of

female identity and how women are represented in art and literature.

Moi also criticizes certain feminist theories that essentialize women and reduce their identity

to biological or cultural characteristics. She argues that these approaches limit understanding

of the diversity of women's experiences and do not allow for nuanced feminist critique.

CHAPITRE 3

Moi, Tori: Woman Writing and Writing about Woman"

Chapter 3 of “Woman Writing and Writing about Woman” by Toril Moi explores the concept

of women's writing and how women write about themselves and other women. Moi argues

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that women's writing cannot be reduced to a homogeneous category, because women have

different experiences and perspectives.

Moi examines the work of several feminist authors, including Virginia Woolf, Simone de

Beauvoir, and Hélène Cixous, to illustrate different approaches to women's writing. She

points out that these authors all sought to give women a voice and challenge patriarchal norms

in writing. Moi also criticizes certain feminist theories that essentialize the female experience

and reduce women to stereotypes. She argues that women's writing should be understood as a

political and creative practice that allows women to express and represent themselves

Moi examines the work of several feminist authors, including Virginia Woolf, Simone de

Beauvoir, and Hélène Cixous, to illustrate different approaches to women's writing. She

points out that these authors all sought to give women a voice and challenge patriarchal norms

in writing

Moi also criticizes certain feminist theories that essentialize the female experience and reduce

women to stereotypes. She argues that women's writing should be understood as a political

and creative practice that allows women to express and represent themselves authentically

Toril Moi is a literary scholar known for her work in feminist theory and literary criticism. In

her book "Sexual/Textual Politics" (1985), Moi offers a critique of French feminist theory,

particularly the work of theorists such as Julia Kristeva, Luce Irigaray, and Hélène Cixous.

She argues that these theorists often essentialize women and their experiences, and she calls

for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to feminist literary criticism.

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Moi emphasizes the importance of engaging with individual texts and authors, rather than

relying solely on theoretical frameworks, and she advocates for a more diverse and open-

ended understanding of female literary figures. Through her work, Moi has contributed to the

ongoing conversation about gender, literature, and feminist theory, encouraging scholars to

consider the complexities and diversity of women's experiences in literature.

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 Carby, Hazel v Reconstructing womanhood: the Emergence of the Afro-American Woman

Novelist New York Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987

CHAPTER 5

Carby Hazel in Simone de Beauvoir's work presents Marxist feminism. This theory aims to

fight for the change of women's living situation in society.

In chapter 5 of the book "From Simone de Beauvoir to Jacques Lacan," Carby Hazel

discusses the different philosophical and political positions of Beauvoir and Lacan. Beauvoir

was an existential feminist who emphasized the importance of individual liberation and

women's emancipation. Lacan, on the other hand, was an influential psychoanalyst who

developed a psychoanalytic theory based on language and the symbolic. The author then

analyzes the writings of Beauvoir and Lacan to highlight the divergences between their

positions. Beauvoir criticized Lacan's psychoanalysis for its lack of consideration for women

and its perpetuation of gender stereotypes. Lacan, on his part, rejected Beauvoir's ideas of

freedom as naive and idealistic.

In chapter 1 of her second book, "Rethinking Black Feminist Theory," Carby Hazel explores

the origins and foundations of black feminist theory. She begins by discussing the importance

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of recognizing the contributions of black women to feminist theory, which have often been

marginalized or ignored. She then examines the historical roots of black feminist theory,

dating back to the time of slavery in the United States. She highlights that black women faced

a double oppression due to their race and gender, and developed unique strategies of

resistance and survival. The author also highlights the intellectual influences that have shaped

black feminist theory, including the women's liberation movement. She emphasizes that black

feminist theory emerged in response to the limitations and shortcomings of these movements,

which did not adequately address the specific experiences and struggles of black women.

In this perspective, Mary asserts that studies on black women make a crucial contribution to

understanding oppression. She has pointed out that men take advantage of their status as men

to subjugate women.

However, McDowell's main concern emphasizes the development of black feminist

scholarships.For her,since the creation of theories they have not had any creativity,on the

contrary men limit themselves to advertising them .For her there is no close link between

lesbianism and lesbian literature.

Moreover,contrary to Smith who asserts the close and paramount links between them .To add

to this ,MC Dowell also argued for an awareness in favour of the conditions in with black

women's literature was produced ; because for her,it is not acceptable to have a preference in

terms of skin color in order to be able to consume to works of an author.Moreover ,for

Christian ,she supports black feminist criticism , because it is critically seen as a major

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problem and not as a solution.To put in three phases:Removing racism from literary practice,

the acceptance of a literature specific to blacks ,and the development of a feminist esthetic.

Adding that another very important aspect should not be neglected,that black feminist

criticism should be considered as the research or hypothesis of the existence of a black

feminist language.Because as we know,each tribe has a specific language that is characterized

by it is culture.And historically sometimes white and black women unit to fight for the same

cause .And ,if we are to conduct studies on race ,white skin should not be spared , because for

her feminist theory does not apply to skin color but rather gender .one thing to keep in mind is

that racism and sexism are conceptions that date back to ancient times with the economic

systems of oppression.These designs will examine the boundaries of sisterhood,as the

contradictions faced by black women intellectuals continue to pose a concern to contemporary

women's mouvements.

In the end, the author highlights the importance of rethinking feminist theory to make it more

inclusive and intersectional. She calls for an approach that recognizes and incorporates the

different identities and experiences of black women. And one that takes into account

interconnected systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, and social class.

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 Collins Patricia Hill Black Feminist thought : knowledge consciousness and the politics

empowerment New York/ london 1990

Chapter 1

Collins Patricia: The politics of Black Feminist thought

In Chapter 1 of Patricia Collins' book The Politics of Black Feminist Thought. The author

begins by introducing us to the way African American women have historically participated in

social justice movements, roles not really visible, but nevertheless crucial, encourages African

American women to continue to fight for equality and justice and recognize the contribution

of African-American women to the fight for equality and justice such as: sojourner truth,

Anna Julia Cooper, Mary McLeod Behune, Toni Morrison, Barbara Smith. Ida b. and others.

In the second part of the same chapter, she highlighted the matrix of domination, a concept

she developed to paint the different forms of oppression that African American women face

aimed at suppressing black feminist thought. In this observation, it reveals a policy of

economic oppression, in fact, African-American women are economically exploited despite

their heavy work and with low wages, yet these have distanced them from their families. It

also highlighted the policy of oppression snatching away the freedom to enjoy their rights and

duties such as schooling, voting and occupying places in public and legal administrations. In

this same context, she highlights a point related to the racism demonstrated by the

stereotypical images applied to African-American women as prostitutes which aim to

disqualify them from high status in society and suppress Feminist ideas. These dimensions of

economic, political and ideological oppression function as a highly effective system of social

control designed to keep African American women in an assigned and subsidized place and
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protect the interests and worldviews of the white male elite. She also criticized traditional

notions of feminism which tend to ignore the specific experiences of black women; African-

American women have historically been excluded from mainstream feminist movements and

their voices and contributions have been minimized or even erased. She also spoke about

sexism in fact, (c. Brown in these terms: "I found all over the South that, whatever it was, the

man said he must be right. They had everything to say, the woman could not say a thing.>>

In fact, men are hostile towards black women writers. In the third part of chapter 1, focusing

on activism, Patricia Collins reveals the different reactions of the ruling class and that they

have the same vision in order to achieve the goal of the struggle and she also contradicted the

thoughts that the white women have for African American women and she emphasizes the

fact that African American women be treated other women and human in society both on a

political economic and intellectual level and their ideas must be considered and supported and

it should not relying on black culture to marginalize them. In the fourth part of chapter 1, on

recovering the black feminist intellectual tradition, she highlights theory and the contributions

of African American women writers who reinterpret traditions like Alice Walker...Through the

recovery of the black woman of the tradition and to give her free expression and to enjoy her

freedom as a human and to benefit from these linked to the social and that all these so-called

traditions keep the black woman in an inferior position therefore, they must be suspended at

the level of the 'intellectualism. In the fifth part of chapter 1, covering the objectives of the

volume, she highlights the fundamental elements of black feminist thought. Indeed, she talks

about the ideas on which we must rely to be able to achieve objectives, aimed at denouncing

the unhealthy implications on women such as sexual assault and others, building a framework

in which Feminist ideas must be considered and freely conveying Black Feminist ideas. in

order to be totally balanced within a framework of freedom. She promotes black feminist

thought, in these terms: <<I suggest that black feminist thought is not <<naïve knowledge>>

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She gave the definition of the term: black feminist thought with these expressions which

clarify the idea as black feminist tho

CHAPTER 2 of Patricia Collins

Defining black feminist thought

To start, Black feminist thought, which is a widely used but rarely defined concept. He

highlights two interdependent tensions related to the definition of black feminist thought. The

first concerns the thorny question of who can be a black feminist. A common response is to

classify all African-American women, regardless of the content of their ideas, as black

feminists. However, this perspective can confuse the terms "woman" and "feminist" and

identify African ancestry as the only determinant of black feminist consciousness. The text

also mentions the application of the term "black feminist" to some African Americans, mainly

women, who have a certain form of feminist consciousness. He also mentions examples of

male black feminists, such as Frederick Douglass and William E. B. DuBois, while

highlighting the unique experiences of black women in terms of race and gender. and it seems

to be discussing the complexities and various definitions surrounding Black feminist thought.

The text explores different perspectives on who can be considered a Black feminist, including

the classification of all African-American women as Black feminists and the inclusion of

selected African-Americans, both men and women, who possess a feminist consciousness. It

also highlights the tensions and contradictions within these definitions, such as the emphasis

on the biological category of Blackness as a prerequisite for Black feminist thought.

Additionally, the text mentions the role of experiences, ideology, capitalism, and political

activism in shaping Black feminist ideas. Overall, it appears to be an examination of the

diverse interpretations and debates within Black feminist thought. Then, the passage from

Deborah McDowell's essay discussing the term "Black feminist criticism" and the ambiguity

surrounding who can be considered as Black feminist. McDowell suggests that Black female
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critics analyzing the works of Black female writers from a feminist perspective can be termed

as Black feminist critics, but the term can also apply to other forms of criticism written by

Black women or about Black women authors. The passage further explores the definitional

tensions and the need for a comprehensive understanding of Black feminist thought that

considers both individual experiences and the unique perspective of Black women. The

dimensions of black women’s standpoint. Here in the text is dealing with the social

construction of race and gender as categories of analysis, the material conditions

accompanying these changing social constructions, and Black women's consciousness about

these themes. The text also mentions the relationship between a Black women's standpoint

and theories that interpret their experiences, emphasizing the specialized knowledge created

by African-American women to clarify a standpoint of and for Black women. The passage

further highlights that not all African-American women generate such thought, and other

groups also play a critical role in its production. Understanding the five key dimensions of a

Black women's standpoint is deemed essential in the context of the working definition. The

core themes of black women’s standpoint. The core themes of a Black woman's standpoint

typically revolve around intersectionality, empowerment, social justice, and cultural identity.

Here are some key themes that are often discussed. Variations of responses to core. The

passage discusses the various factors that contribute to the diversity of responses among

African-American women. It highlights that social class differences can influence how racism

is experienced, with examples given of a middle-class Black female manager facing

discriminatory treatment from her superior. While such blatant incidents may not be common

for most middle-class Black women, they are more prevalent for working-class Blacks. The

passage also mentions that the racist belief of African-Americans being less intelligent than

whites persists among both social classes.

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Additionally, the passage acknowledges that sexual orientation, particularly for Black

lesbians, plays a significant role in shaping their perspective on everyday events. Homophobia

within both the general society and the Black community influences their unique angle of

vision. The passage includes an example of a Black lesbian attending a wedding and feeling

the need to hide her true identity, perceiving her friend's marriage as a form of bondage.

Furthermore, the passage notes that factors such as ethnicity, region of the country,

urbanization, and age further contribute to the diverse experiences of African-American

women. Considering these multiple dimensions, it is more accurate to refer to a Black

women's standpoint rather than a singular Black woman's standpoint.The interdependence of

experience and consciousness. The interdependence of experience and consciousness suggests

that they mutually influence and shape each other feminist. As they gain new experiences, and

consciousness expands and evolves. Their knowledge. It’s also permet them to be

struggle .Consciousness and the struggle for self defined standpoint. This passage explores the

concept of a self-defined standpoint within Black feminist thought. It begins by

acknowledging that those in power control the cultural institutions of society, which often

marginalizes and suppresses perspectives that challenge the dominant viewpoint. The passage

then highlights the importance of individual African-American women's consciousness and

experiences in shaping their unique angle of vision. By aggregating and articulating these

individual expressions of consciousness, a collective and focused group consciousness can

emerge. This collective standpoint is crucial for the survival of Black women, as it allows

them to define themselves on their own terms rather than being defined by others for their

own purposes. The passage emphasizes the need to tap into sources of everyday

consciousness that have been traditionally devalued in white, male-controlled institutions.

Furthermore, the passage discusses the struggle for a self-defined standpoint as a

simultaneous embrace of an Afrocentric and feminist consciousness. It suggests that an

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Afrocentric worldview, distinct from a Eurocentric worldview, exists within African-

American Studies. Traditional social constructions of blackness and race are challenged,

viewing them either as reflections of quantifiable biological differences or as residual

categories that emerged in response to societal power dynamics.

SUMMARY

C astro Ginette

I. M.oi T oril

II. C arby Hazel

III. C ollins P atricia

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