Postmodern feminism is an approach to feminist theory that incorporates postmodern and post-structuralist theory, and thus sees itself as moving beyond the modernist polarities of liberal feminism and radical feminism.
The Penguin Reference Dictionary of Literary Terms & Literary Theory defines post-modernism, feminism, and post-structuralism, but not postmodern feminism. The definition provided for post-modernism is, “A general (and sometimes controversial) term used to refer to changes, developments, and tendencies which have taken place (and are taking place) in literature, art, music, architecture, philosophy, etc. since the 1940’s or 1950’s.” It goes on to say that Marxist, feminist, and psychoanalytic criticism are all aspects of post-modernism since the 1970’s; and concludes that “When something else develops from it instead of it, it will, perhaps be easier to identify, describe, and classify.”
Feminism has been seen by some as having a special affinity for the postmodern through a shared interest in (the theoretical implications of) social practices and multiple voices.
Read more about Postmodern Feminism: Criticism
Famous quotes containing the words postmodern and/or feminism:
“The Modernist’s command was Pound’s “Make it New.” The postmodern imperative is “Get it Used.” The more used the better.”
—Andrei Codrescu (b. 1946)
“... feminism is the attempt of women to grow up, to accept the responsibilities of life, to outgrow those characteristics of childhood—selfishness and unworldliness—that we require our boys to outgrow, but that we permit and by our social system encourage our girls to retain.”
—Henrietta Rodman (1878–?)