Political Science Professor Authors Book on History, Complexity of Feminisms

Political Science Professor Authors Book on History, Complexity of Feminisms

Challenging the idea that feminism can be reduced to a soundbite or political caricature, Dr. Renee Heberle has authored a book exploring the field's rich and often contested history.

Heberle, a professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration and co-director of the Program in Law and Social Thought, spent three years synthesizing decades of research in the recently published "Feminisms: The Basics" (Routledge Press, $19.99).

The book is designed to offer an accessible yet comprehensive look at the vast range of ideas, history and policy preferences that have shaped feminist movements.

"I chose to write 'Feminisms: The Basics' to challenge the caricatures of feminisms that come from many different ideological and political directions," Heberle said. "The spirit, politics and motivations of feminisms cannot be reduced to a one- or two-line description; nor are they the 'threat to civilization' some like to claim."

Heberle said the book investigates how feminists theorize gendered dynamics from many new perspectives while presenting the intense and productive debates feminists have engaged in about politics and policy. She said that her approach is distinct because she avoids defining what feminism is, opting instead to write about the field based on what self-identified feminists do and say.

"Feminisms have a rich history and will not be pinned down," she said. "I present feminisms as a rich field of critical discussion, concrete proposals and imagined possibilities for creating a better future."

Intended for a broad audience including scholars, researchers and students, the writing process also offered Heberle a personal opportunity to refine her own perspective - a practice she champions in the classroom.

"As I wrote the book, I got a clearer sense of my own voice and perspective," Heberle said. "This is why I encourage students to write as much as possible about what they are learning or discovering. We learn by discussing with others, but also through the challenge of translating our thoughts into the written word."