The Lesbian and Feminist Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper summarizes a report by Cheshire Calhoun entitled "Separating Lesbian Theory from Feminist Theory" on differences between lesbianism and feminism and why these differences matter when discussing their problems. The report discusses the issue of male oppression and the various theoretical constructs used to examine these issues in society today, with reference to certain specific theorists.

From the Paper:

"Cheshire Calhoun in her article "Separating Lesbian Theory from Feminist Theory" begins by citing Heidi Hartmann to the effect that Marxism and feminism had become conjoined, leading to a consideration of the nature of lesbian feminism and its relationship to Marxism and to other theoretical constructs. Many Marxist theorists have seen lesbianism as a feminist resistance to male dominance, while few lesbian theorists now see the issue in that light. Instead, they see the issue more and more in terms of women's relation to women and to a number of oppositions among lesbians as among others in society, addressing issues of ageism, racism, anti-Semitism and so on."

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