NYU Press Feminist Legal Theory: A Primer (Critical America)

An updated edition of the praised primer for feminist legal theory and how it shapes contemporary gender issues At long last, the complex field of feminist legal theory is presented in accessible, teachable form by two of its experts, Nancy Levit and Robert R. M. Verchick. In this outstanding primer, the authors introduce the diverse strands of feminist legal theory and the array of substantive legal issues relevant to women's and gender studies. The book centers on feminist legal theories―including equal treatment theory, cultural feminism, dominance theory, critical race feminism, lesbian feminism, postmodern feminism, and ecofeminism. The authors also address feminist legal methods, such as consciousness raising and storytelling. The primer demonstrates the ways feminist legal theory operates in real-life contexts, including domestic violence, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, education, sports, pornography, and global issues of gender. Levit and Verchick highlight a sweeping range of cutting edge topics at the intersection of law and gender, such as single sex schools, women in the military, abortion, same sex marriage, date rape, and the international trafficking in women and girls. At its core, Feminist Legal Theory shows the importance of the role of law and feminist legal theory in shaping contemporary gender issues. Review "A must read for those who are interested in how feminist legal thinking has influenced and continues to have an impact on the development of legal rules. This book challenges its readers to contemplate contemporary social and political issues that face women through the lens of feminist legal thinking." "An important new assessment, wisely crafted, controversial, provocative, unusual, not just another addition to a settled field." - Susan Estrich, author of "Sex & Power" aFeminist Legal Theory brings together a comprehensive and lucid treatment of feminist theoretical approaches to the most pressing legal problems of our time. This book will serve as an essential desk reference for those who are new to feminist legal theory as well as for those of us who are veterans.a - Katherine Franke, Columbia Law School aThis book is perfectly designed as a text for undergraduates. The writing is lively and accessible; the topic coverage is broad, interesting, and up-to-date; and the subject of feminist legal theory is represented in many forms. Levit and Verchick invite readers to engage in the debate over lawas impact on gendered controversies, and to select solutions from among competing visions of equality.a - "Choice" (highly recommended) aThis excellent primer traces the development of feminist theories in a legal system to which women and feminists are relatively new. The authors traverse various feminist legal theories, describing their inherent differences, as well as their crucial common ground; their influence on the legal world; their successes, both perceived and real; and finally, their dynamic nature, which prime activists and academics for social and political change. . . . The book also raises issues of goals unfulfilled and challenges to come by providing an insightfully provoking discussion of diverse issues. It explores more traditionally afeminista legal topics such as domestic violence and rape, current debates, such as single-sex schools and women in the U.S. military, and larger issues regarding the applicability of feminist legal theories in the face of a shrinking, globalized world.a - "Berkeley Journal of Gender, Law, and Justice" ( "This excellent primer traces the development of feminist theories in a legal system to which women and feminists are relatively new. The authors traverse various feminist legal theories, describing their inherent differences, as well as their crucial common ground; their influence on the legal world; their successes, both perceived and real; and finally, their dynamic nature, which prime activists and academics