Feminist Futures: Theory and Activism

How do gender and feminism operate in the world today, and what are their possible futures? Indeed, do these concepts have a future? This subject examines feminist theory and activism and presents perspectives on sex and gender that focus on inequalities across key sites, such as the family, work, religion, cultural representation and rights. It traces two competing traditions in feminist visions of the future of sex and gender – reform and revolution. From anarchist activism and sex and gender ‘wars’, to Islamic feminism, ‘girl boss’ and lean-in feminisms, we highlight the range of feminist theories and tactics alongside important ongoing tensions between universalism and difference in gendered experience. Covering the first to fourth feminist ‘waves’ as well as key debates between liberal, radical, queer, Indigenous and decolonial feminisms, this subject explores feminist efforts to organise and to develop visions of an equal future across everyday practices of genders and of sexualities.

• 1Describe the historical, political and cultural conditions under which theories of gender and sexuality developed
• 2Identify key concepts from the history of feminist and intersectional theory and activism
• 3Critically evaluate arguments about gender, sex and sexuality
• 4Produce a creative vision for intersectional feminist and queer futures.