This is a bold and controversial feminist, philosophical critique of postmodernism. Whilst providing a brief and accessible introduction to postmodernist feminist thought,
Enlightened Women
is also a unique defence of realism and enlightenment philosophy.
The first half of the book covers an analysis of some of the most influential postmodernist theorists, such as
Luce Irigaray
and
Judith Butler
. In the second half Alison Assiter advocates a return to modernism in feminism. She argues, against the current orthodoxy, that there can be a distinction between "sex" and "gender".
For students trying to pick their way through the maze of literature in the area of postmodernist feminism,
is a concise guide to contemporary thought - as well as a radical contribution to the debate.