THE NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY, BHOPAL

PROJECT

on

Feminist Political Theory: Critiques and Contributions

submitted by
-
II Semester
B. A. LL. B. (Hons.)

submitted to
-
Date of submission: 8 March 2022
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

TITLE

Feminist Political Theory: Critiques and Contributions

INTRODUCTION

Feminist political theory, which emerged from the struggles of the twentieth-century feminist
movements1, is distinguished by its dedication to extending the boundaries of the political
movements. In it the emphasis is on analysing and criticising how political philosophy is
often understood as well as outlining possible reconstructions of political theory that would
advance feminist concerns. In order to apply a feminist perspective to well-established issues
in political philosophy, feminist political theory includes elements of both feminist theory
and political theory.

Feminist political theory in India has its roots in the country's long history of women's
movements and struggles for gender equality. Indian feminist political theory has been
shaped by a range of intellectual and political influences, including postcolonial theory,
Marxist feminism, and feminist legal theory. Indian feminist political theorists have
addressed a range of issues related to gender, including violence against women, reproductive
rights, economic empowerment, and political representation.

One of the key contributions of Indian feminist political theory has been the critique of the
dominant patriarchal structures that shape Indian society. Feminist political theorists have
argued that patriarchy operates at multiple levels, including within families, communities,
and the state, and have called for radical changes in social, economic, and political structures
to achieve gender equality.

Indian feminist political theory has also been shaped by the country's complex social and
cultural landscape, which is characterized by multiple intersecting forms of oppression,
including caste, class, and religion. Feminist political theorists have highlighted the need to
address these intersecting forms of oppression to achieve true gender equality.

One of the most significant achievements of Indian feminist political theory has been the role
it has played in shaping policy and legal reforms related to gender. Indian feminist political

1
“Feminist Political Theory” (Wikipedia January 6, 2023)
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_political_theory#:~:text=The%20earliest%20origins%20of
%20feminist,about%20women's%20exclusion%20and%20subordination.> accessed March 7, 2023
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

theorists have been actively involved in advocacy and activism, working with women's
groups and civil society organizations to push for changes in laws and policies related to
gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and political representation.

Women and gender are not the only concerns covered by feminist theory. Due to the fluid
nature of categories and the numerous developments, orientations, and perspectives within
feminism, there are neither rigorous essential requirements nor sufficient prerequisites for
being a "feminist". Feminist theory, and thus feminist political theory, is about more than
just gender2, even while comprehending and evaluating the political impacts of gendered
situations is an essential area of feminist political theory. Feminist political theorists may be
found in the schools of political science, history, women's studies, sociology, geography,
anthropology, religion, and philosophy,

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

 Valerie Bryson, ‘Feminist Political Theory’, 3rd Edition, Red Globe Press, 2016

It is a comprehensive and insightful introduction to the major themes, debates, and

challenges of feminist political theory. The book covers a broad range of topics,
including the history of feminist political thought, feminist critiques of liberalism, the
intersectionality of gender with other forms of oppression, and the challenges of
achieving gender equality in the contemporary world. One of the strengths of the book
is its clear and accessible writing style, which makes complex concepts and debates
easy to understand for readers new to feminist political theory. She uses a range of
examples and case studies from different countries and contexts to illustrate key
concepts and arguments, making the book both engaging and informative. Another
strength of the book is its balanced approach to the debates within feminist political
theory. She presents a range of perspectives and arguments, highlighting the strengths
and weaknesses of different approaches and allowing readers to form their own
opinions on the issues at hand.

 Bell Hooks, ‘Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics’, 2 nd Edition,

Routledge, 2014

2
“An Analysis of Feminist Approach to Political Theory - an Analysis of Feminist Approach to Political
Theory” (Studocu) <https://www.studocu.com/in/document/jamia-millia-islamia/western-political-thought/an-
analysis-of-feminist-approach-to-political-theory/20260898> accessed March 8, 2023
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

It is an accessible and inspiring introduction to feminist theory and activism. Written

in Hooks' trademark clear and engaging style, the book offers a concise overview of
the history and goals of the feminist movement, as well as the key debates and
challenges facing feminists today. One of the strengths of the book is its emphasis on
intersectionality, the idea that gender cannot be understood in isolation from other
social and political factors such as race, class, and sexuality. She highlights the
importance of addressing multiple forms of oppression in feminist politics, and argues
that a truly inclusive and effective feminism must be intersectional in its approach.
Another strength of the book is its focus on the ways in which feminist theory and
activism can benefit all people, not just women. She argues that patriarchy harms not
only women but also men, and that a feminist politics that challenges gender
stereotypes and promotes equality and respect for all people can benefit everyone.
Overall, "Feminism is for Everybody" is a powerful and inspiring book that
challenges readers to think critically about gender and power, and to work towards a
more just and equitable world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in feminism and
social justice, and offers a valuable introduction to the key concepts and debates in
this important field.

 Mariyln Fyre, ‘The Politics of Reality: Essays in Feminist Theory’, Crossing

Press, 2016
Originally published in 1983, Essays in Feminist Theory is a thought-provoking and
insightful collection of essays that explores a range of topics related to feminist
theory. Frye is a feminist philosopher who has made significant contributions to the
field of feminist epistemology, and this book showcases her talent for clear and
incisive analysis. One of the strengths of the book is Frye's ability to articulate
complex concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for readers. She uses
concrete examples and vivid imagery to illustrate her arguments, making her ideas
come alive on the page. Another strength of the book is Frye's commitment to
intersectionality, the idea that gender cannot be understood in isolation from other
social and political factors such as race, class, and sexuality. She explores the ways in
which different forms of oppression intersect and reinforce each other, and argues that
a truly effective feminist politics must address these intersections. One of the most
powerful essays in the book is "Oppression," in which Frye provides a ground-
breaking analysis of the nature of oppression and the ways in which it operates in
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society. She argues that oppression is not just a matter of individual acts of
discrimination, but rather a systemic and structural phenomenon that is deeply
embedded in social norms and institutions.
 Simone de Beauvoir, ‘The Second Sex’, Vintage Publishers, 2011

It is a seminal work of feminist political theory that has had a profound impact on the
field of gender studies. Originally published in 1949, the book is a comprehensive
exploration of the social, cultural, and political construction of gender and its impact
on women's lives. At its core, "The Second Sex" is a critique of the idea that gender is
a natural and immutable category, and argues instead that gender is a social construct
that is created and reinforced through cultural norms and practices. De Beauvoir
shows how women are defined as the "Other" in relation to men, and how this
Otherness is used to justify their subordination and exclusion from political,
economic, and social power. One of the key contributions of "The Second Sex" to
feminist political theory is its analysis of the ways in which gender intersects with
other forms of oppression, such as race, class, and sexuality. She argues that the
experience of being a woman is not monolithic, but varies depending on a woman's
social and political context. She highlights the importance of addressing the multiple
forms of oppression that women face, and emphasizes the need for a feminist politics
that is intersectional in its approach.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Despite increasing attention to gender representation in politics, women continue to be

underrepresented in political leadership positions, and often face gendered stereotypes and
biases that limit their opportunities for advancement. This project seeks to identify and
analyse various feminist political theories as well as highlight contributions made by them as
well as the critiques made towards them.

HYPOTHESIS

By drawing on feminist political theory and empirical research on women's political

leadership, it is possible to develop effective strategies for promoting gender equity in
political systems around the world.
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OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The objectives of study for this project are:

 To analyze the impact of gender equity in political leadership on broader goals of

social justice, democracy, and human rights, and to evaluate the role of feminist
political theory in advancing these goals.
 To explore the challenges and limitations of promoting gender equity in political
leadership, and to evaluate the potential for feminist political theory to address these
challenges and overcome these limitations.
 To examine the gendered stereotypes and biases that affect women's ability to gain
and maintain political power, and to evaluate how feminist political theory can help to
identify and address these biases.
 To assess the potential of feminist political theory to promote gender equity in
political leadership, and to develop strategies for increasing women's representation
and participation in politics.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This project aims to answer the following questions:

 What are the main barriers that prevent women from achieving political leadership
positions in democracies?
 How do gender stereotypes and biases affect women's political power, and how can
feminist political theory address them?
 What are the effective strategies for increasing women's participation in politics, and
how can feminist political theory help develop and implement them?
 What are the challenges in promoting gender equity in political leadership, and how
can feminist political theory overcome them?

METHODOLOGY

This project has been made using the doctrinal method of research. Various primary sources
such as statutes and judgements as well as secondary sources like legal textbooks, journal
articles, commentary articles and case digests were accessed to make this project. The
information thus collected was thoroughly studied and critically analysed.
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FEMENIST POLITICAL THEORY: HOW IT CAME TO BE AND ITS

PRESENT STATUS

Feminist political theory is an intellectual framework that seeks to understand and address the
ways in which gender and power intersect in political systems. This theoretical approach has
a long and complex history, spanning several centuries and multiple waves of feminist
activism. The roots of feminist political theory can be traced back to the Enlightenment era,
when women began to challenge the idea that men were the natural rulers of society 3. In the
18th century, thinkers such as Mary Wollstonecraft argued that women had the same capacity
for reason as men and should be given equal rights and opportunities. However, it wasn't until
the suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that feminist political theory
began to gain wider recognition.

The first wave of feminism focused primarily on gaining legal rights for women, such as the
right to vote and own property. However, the second wave, which emerged in the 1960s and
1970s, broadened the scope of feminist political theory to encompass a wider range of issues,
including reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and domestic violence.

Since then, feminist political theory has continued to evolve and expand, incorporating
perspectives from diverse disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and critical race
theory. One of the key contributions of feminist political theory has been its emphasis on the
ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, and
ableism.

Despite the significant progress that has been made in advancing women's rights and gender
equity, there is still much work to be done. Women continue to be underrepresented in
political leadership positions, and gender-based violence and discrimination remain
pervasive. Feminist political theory offers a valuable framework for understanding these
issues and developing effective strategies for addressing them.

Feminist political theory has a rich and complex history, and it continues to play a crucial
role in advancing gender equity and social justice. By challenging traditional notions of
power and authority, and by highlighting the intersections of gender and other forms of

3
Bryson V, Feminist Political Theory (Palgrave 2016)
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

oppression, feminist political theory provides a powerful framework for understanding and
transforming political systems4.

FEMENIST POLITICAL THEORY IN INDIA

Feminist political theory has a long and complex history in India, shaped by a range of
factors including colonialism, nationalism, and postcolonialism. While Indian feminism has
been influenced by global feminist movements, it has also developed distinctively Indian
approaches to understanding and addressing gender inequality5.

One of the key contributions of Indian feminist political theory has been its emphasis on the
intersections of gender, caste, and religion. Historically, the Indian caste system has been a
major source of oppression, particularly for women. Feminist political theorists in India have
highlighted the ways in which gender and caste intersect to create unique forms of
marginalization and discrimination.

Another important area of focus for Indian feminist political theory has been the impact of
globalization on gender relations. The rise of neoliberal economic policies has had significant
implications for women's lives, often exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Feminist
political theorists in India have been at the forefront of critiquing these policies and
developing alternative approaches that prioritize gender equity and social justice.

Despite the significant contributions of Indian feminist political theory, there are still
significant challenges facing women in India. Gender-based violence and discrimination
remain pervasive, and women continue to be underrepresented in political leadership
positions. However, by drawing on the insights and strategies of feminist political theory,
activists and scholars in India are working to address these issues and create a more equitable
and just society.

In conclusion, feminist political theory in India has a rich and complex history, and it
continues to play a crucial role in advancing gender equity and social justice. By highlighting
the intersections of gender with other forms of oppression, and by developing innovative
strategies for addressing these issues, Indian feminist political theorists are making important
contributions to the global feminist movement.

4
Beauvoir Sde and others, The Second Sex (Vintage Books 2015)
5
“Political Feminism in India - Friedrich Ebert Foundation”
<https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/indien/12706.pdf> accessed March 8, 2023
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE FEMENIST POLITICAL THEORY

Feminist political theory has made significant contributions to the understanding of gender,
power, and politics. Feminist political theory challenges traditional assumptions about gender
roles and the ways in which power is exercised in society. This sub-topic will explore the
contributions made by feminist political theory in four key areas: gender and the state, the
politics of representation, intersectionality, and the politics of care.

Gender and the state is an area in which feminist political theory has made significant
contributions. Feminist theorists have argued that the state is not a neutral entity but rather a
patriarchal institution that reinforces gender inequality6. Feminist political theory has also
questioned the idea of the state as a single entity and instead argued that the state is made up
of multiple actors who hold different interests and perspectives. This has led to a greater
understanding of the ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression and
privilege.

The politics of representation is another area in which feminist political theory has made
significant contributions. Feminist theorists have challenged the idea that political
representation is simply a matter of numbers. Instead, they have argued that representation
must also take into account the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups,
including women. This has led to a greater understanding of the importance of diverse
representation and the ways in which political representation can be used to challenge power
imbalances.

Intersectionality is a third area in which feminist political theory has made significant
contributions. Intersectionality refers to the ways in which different forms of oppression and
privilege intersect and interact with each other. Feminist political theory has argued that
gender cannot be understood in isolation but must be understood in relation to other forms of
oppression, including race, class, and sexuality. This has led to a greater understanding of the
ways in which multiple forms of oppression intersect and the ways in which they can be
addressed through political action.

The politics of care is a fourth area in which feminist political theory has made significant
contributions. Feminist theorists have argued that care work, including childcare and
eldercare, is undervalued and often performed by women. This has led to a greater

6
Bryson V, “Conclusions: Feminist Political Theory Today” [2016] Feminist Political Theory 298
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

understanding of the importance of care work and the ways in which it is tied to gender
inequality. Feminist political theory has also argued that the state has a responsibility to
support care work and to ensure that it is fairly distributed.

Feminist political theory has made significant contributions to our understanding of gender,
power, and politics. It has challenged traditional assumptions about gender roles and the ways
in which power is exercised in society. It has also highlighted the importance of diverse
representation, intersectionality, and the politics of care. These contributions have led to a
greater understanding of the ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression
and privilege, and the ways in which they can be addressed through political action.

CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY MAJOR FEMINIST POLITICAL

THEORISTS

Mary Wollstonecraft
Mary Wollstonecraft is recognized as a pioneer of modern feminist political theory. Her
influential work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, argued that women were not
inferior to men but were deprived of equal opportunities and education. Wollstonecraft
believed that education was vital for individual development and social progress, and access
to education was essential for achieving gender equality7.

Wollstonecraft's political theory was based on the Enlightenment principles of reason,

freedom, and equality. Her advocacy for women's rights and education helped to pave the
way for the women's suffrage movement and continues to inspire people today who strive to
create a fairer society where everyone has equal opportunities.

Bell Hooks
Bell Hooks is a prominent feminist scholar whose work has contributed greatly to feminist
political theory. Her work has focused on the intersectionality of oppression and the ways in
which different forms of oppression intersect and interact with each other. Her work on
intersectionality is a key contribution to feminist political theory 8. Hooks has argued that
7
Reviewed by Ruth Hagengruber PU, “The Social and Political Philosophy of Mary Wollstonecraft” (Notre
Dame Philosophical ReviewsNovember 29, 2018) <https://ndpr.nd.edu/reviews/the-social-and-political-
philosophy-of-mary-wollstonecraft-2/> accessed March 8, 2023
8
“Extending Bell Hooks' Feminist Theory - Bridgewater State University”
<https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2207&context=jiws> accessed March 8, 2023
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

different forms of oppression, including gender, race, class, and sexuality, intersect and
interact with each other. She has emphasized the importance of understanding these
intersections and the ways in which they shape individual experiences and social structures.
Her work has highlighted the ways in which gender cannot be understood in isolation but
must be understood in relation to other forms of oppression.

Hooks has also emphasized the importance of challenging dominant power structures. She
has argued that patriarchy and other forms of oppression are not natural or inevitable, but
rather are social constructs that can be challenged and changed. Hooks has emphasized the
importance of collective action and the need to build coalitions across different social
movements in order to challenge power imbalances.

Another key contribution of Hooks to feminist political theory is her critique of mainstream
feminism. Hooks has argued that mainstream feminism has often been exclusionary, focusing
primarily on the experiences of white, middle-class, and educated women. She has
emphasized the need for a more inclusive feminism that recognizes the experiences and
struggles of women from diverse backgrounds. Hooks has called for a feminism that is
grounded in the experiences of marginalized women and that seeks to challenge all forms of
oppression.

Hooks’ work on love and care is another important contribution to feminist political theory.
Hooks has emphasized the importance of love and care in personal and political relationships.
She has argued that love and care are political acts that can challenge dominant power
structures and build more equitable and just relationships. Hooks has called for a feminist
politics of care that recognizes the importance of caring for others and that emphasizes the
interdependence of individuals and communities.

Bell Hooks’ work has made important contributions to feminist political theory. Her
emphasis on intersectionality, challenging dominant power structures, and the importance of
love and care have helped to shape feminist thought and practice. Hooks’ work has
emphasized the need for a more inclusive and intersectional feminism that recognizes the
experiences and struggles of women from diverse backgrounds. Her work continues to
inspire and inform feminist scholarship and activism today.
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Martha Nussbaum
Martha Nussbaum is a prominent feminist scholar whose work has made significant
contributions to feminist political theory. Her work has focused on the intersection of
feminism and the capabilities approach to social justice. Her work on the capabilities
approach is a key contribution to feminist political theory 9. The capabilities approach
emphasizes the importance of enabling individuals to achieve their full potential and to live
lives that they have reason to value. Nussbaum has argued that this approach can be used to
address the inequalities and injustices faced by women around the world. She has emphasized
the importance of recognizing the capabilities of women and the need to create social
structures that enable women to achieve their full potential.

Nussbaum’s work on the capabilities approach has also emphasized the importance of
recognizing the importance of care work. Nussbaum has argued that care work, including
childcare and eldercare, is undervalued and often performed by women. She has emphasized
the need to recognize care work as valuable labour and to create social structures that support
care work. This includes providing paid leave and creating social programs that support
caregivrs.

Another key contribution of Nussbaum to feminist political theory is her critique of economic
systems that prioritize growth over human well-being. She has argued that the emphasis on
economic growth has led to a neglect of human capabilities and has contributed to the
marginalization of women and other marginalized groups. She has emphasized the need for
economic systems that prioritize human well-being and that recognize the importance of
social programs that support individuals and communities.

Nussbaum’s work on the role of emotions in politics is another important contribution to

feminist political theory. She has argued that emotions play an important role in political
decision-making and that they can be used to promote social justice. She has emphasized the
importance of empathy and compassion in political decision-making and has called for a
politics that recognizes the importance of emotions and emotional intelligence.

9
“Feminist Political Theory - Philpapers.org” <https://philpapers.org/archive/TUCFPT> accessed March 8,
2023
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CRITIQUES OF THE FEMINIST POLITICAL THEORY

Critiques of feminist political theory have come from various perspectives, and several
scholars have contributed to the debate. One critique argues that feminist political theory is
too narrow in its focus on gender, ignoring other forms of oppression such as race, class, and
sexuality. Intersectional feminists argue that feminism must recognize the interconnectedness
of various forms of oppression and the unique experiences of individuals who face multiple
forms of oppression.

Another critique suggests that feminist political theory has been dominated by middle-class
white women, and therefore it is not representative of the diverse experiences of all women.
Some scholars argue that feminist political theory has failed to adequately address the
experiences of women of coluor, immigrant women, and women living in poverty, among
others.

Some critics have also argued that feminist political theory has become too academic and
detached from the lived experiences of women. Feminist scholars are criticized for focusing
too much on theory and not enough on practical solutions to the problems faced by women in
their everyday lives.

Finally, some critics have argued that feminist political theory is too focused on women's
rights and equality within existing structures of power, rather than challenging and
transforming those structures. Radical feminists argue that feminism should seek to dismantle
patriarchal systems of power and create new, more equitable systems that prioritize the
experiences and perspectives of women.

Critiques made by Chandra Talpade Mohanty

Chandra Talpade Mohanty is a scholar who has made important critiques of feminist political
theory, particularly in relation to its treatment of women in the Global South. She argues that
mainstream feminist political theory has been dominated by Western, white, middle-class
women and has failed to account for the diverse experiences of women in the Global South.

Mohanty critiques feminist political theory for perpetuating the myth of a homogeneous
category of "women," which ignores the differences between women in terms of race, class,
ethnicity, and nationality10. She also argues that feminist theory has often portrayed women in

10
Mohanty, Chandra Talpade. “‘Under Western Eyes’ Revisited: Feminist Solidarity through Anticapitalist
Struggles.” Signs, vol. 28, no. 2, 2003, pp. 499–535. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.1086/342914. Accessed 8 Mar.
2023.
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

the Global South as passive victims of oppression, without acknowledging their agency or the
complex ways in which they resist and negotiate power.

Mohanty also critiques the tendency within feminist theory to essentialize cultural
differences, treating them as fixed and unchanging rather than acknowledging the dynamic
nature of culture and the ways in which it is shaped by historical and political forces. She
argues that this essentialization can lead to the perpetuation of stereotypes and the erasure of
the agency and diversity of women in the Global South.

Mohanty's critiques of feminist political theory call for a more nuanced and intersectional
understanding of women's experiences, one that takes into account the complex ways in
which gender intersects with other forms of oppression and acknowledges the diversity and
agency of women across the world.

Critiques made by Andrea Dworkin and Catherine MacKinnon

Andrea Dworkin and Catherine MacKinnon are two prominent feminist thinkers who have
made significant critiques of feminist political theory. Andrea Dworkin's critique of feminist
political theory is centered around the idea that patriarchy is not just a social system but also
a sexual system that is deeply ingrained in all aspects of society 11. She argues that the
traditional liberal feminist approach, which seeks to address gender inequality by advocating
for legal and political rights for women, is insufficient to challenge the root of patriarchy.
Dworkin argues that the problem lies in the pervasive and normalized nature of male sexual
domination and violence against women, which are not adequately addressed by legal or
political reforms. She calls for a radical feminist approach that focuses on dismantling
patriarchy as a whole rather than merely advocating for women's rights within the existing
social and political systems.

Dworkin's critique is also aimed at the mainstream feminist movement, which she sees as
being too narrowly focused on the experiences of white, middle-class women. She argues that
the movement needs to recognize and address the ways in which race, class, and sexuality
intersect with gender to produce unique forms of oppression for different groups of women.

Catherine MacKinnon's critique of feminist political theory is centered around the idea that
gender inequality is not simply a matter of individual discrimination but is deeply embedded

11
Oyler L, “The Radical Style of Andrea Dworkin” (The New YorkerMarch 25, 2019)
<https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/01/the-radical-style-of-andrea-dworkin> accessed March 8,
2023
II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

in social structures and cultural norms. She argues that the legal and political systems
themselves are implicated in perpetuating gender inequality, as they are based on patriarchal
values and assumptions. MacKinnon's critique is focused on the issue of sexual harassment
and pornography, which she sees as manifestations of male sexual power and domination
over women. She argues that these forms of sexual exploitation are not only a violation of
women's rights but also contribute to the broader system of gender inequality. MacKinnon's
approach is rooted in the idea of "sex equality" rather than "gender neutrality," which means
that legal and political systems should take into account the specific experiences and needs of
women as a marginalized group.

Both Dworkin and MacKinnon's critiques challenge the traditional liberal feminist approach
and call for a more radical and intersectional feminist politics that recognizes the
pervasiveness of patriarchy and the ways in which gender inequality intersects with other
forms of oppression.

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS

The feminist political theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the social,
political, and cultural contexts in which gender inequality occurs. Feminist theory recognizes
that gender is not just a biological fact, but a social construct that is deeply embedded in all
aspects of society, including political and legal systems. The feminist approach recognizes
the multiple and intersecting forms of oppression experienced by individuals based on their
gender, race, class, sexuality, and other factors. The feminist political theory critiques the
traditional liberal feminist approaches that advocate for equal rights within existing systems,
and instead, calls for a more radical approach to dismantling patriarchy and creating a more
just and equitable society for all. By challenging gender norms and advocating for the
empowerment of marginalized groups, we can create a more inclusive and just society where
individuals of all genders have equal access to opportunities and resources. Feminist political
theory is an ongoing project, and it is through ongoing critical inquiry and action that we can
continue to make progress towards gender equality and justice.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Websites and Journals:

II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

“Feminist Political Theory” (Wikipedia January 6, 2023)

<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_political_theory#:~:text=The%20earliest%20origins
%20of%20feminist,about%20women's%20exclusion%20and%20subordination.> accessed
March 7, 2023

“An Analysis of Feminist Approach to Political Theory - an Analysis of Feminist Approach

to Political Theory” (Studocu) <https://www.studocu.com/in/document/jamia-millia-
islamia/western-political-thought/an-analysis-of-feminist-approach-to-political-theory/
20260898> accessed March 8, 2023

“Political Feminism in India - Friedrich Ebert Foundation”

<https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/indien/12706.pdf> accessed March 8, 2023

Bryson V, “Conclusions: Feminist Political Theory Today” [2016] Feminist Political Theory
298

Reviewed by Ruth Hagengruber PU, “The Social and Political Philosophy of Mary
Wollstonecraft” (Notre Dame Philosophical ReviewsNovember 29, 2018)
<https://ndpr.nd.edu/reviews/the-social-and-political-philosophy-of-mary-wollstonecraft-2/>
accessed March 8, 2023

“Extending Bell Hooks' Feminist Theory - Bridgewater State University”

<https://vc.bridgew.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2207&context=jiws> accessed March 8,
2023

“Feminist Political Theory - Philpapers.org” <https://philpapers.org/archive/TUCFPT>

accessed March 8, 2023

Mohanty, Chandra Talpade. “‘Under Western Eyes’ Revisited: Feminist Solidarity through
Anticapitalist Struggles.” Signs, vol. 28, no. 2, 2003, pp. 499–535. JSTOR,
https://doi.org/10.1086/342914. Accessed 8 Mar. 2023.

Oyler L, “The Radical Style of Andrea Dworkin” (The New YorkerMarch 25, 2019)
<https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/01/the-radical-style-of-andrea-dworkin>
accessed March 8, 2023

Books:

Bryson V, Feminist Political Theory (Palgrave 2016)

II SEMESTER SYNOPSIS

Beauvoir Sde and others, The Second Sex (Vintage Books 2015)