For readers of Hood Feminism and Against White Feminism
An incisive examination of why the pillars of feminism have erodedand how all women, not just the #girlbosses, can rebuild them
After over 175 years, the feminist movement, now in its fourth wave, is at risk of collapsing on its eroding foundation. In Faux Feminism, political philosopher Serene Khader advocates for another feminismone that doesnt overwhelmingly serve white, affluent #girlbosses. With empathy, passion, and wit, Khader invites the reader to join her as she excavates the movements history and draws a blueprint for a more inclusive and resilient future.
A feminist myth buster, Khader begins by deconstructing faux feminisms. Thought to be the pillars of good feminism, they may appeal to many but, in truth, leave most women behind. Khader identifies these traps that white feminism lays for us all, asking readers to think critically about
The Freedom Myth: The overarching misconception that feminism is about personal freedom rather than collective equality
The Individualism Myth: The pervasive idea that feminism aims to free individual women from social expectations
The Culture Myth: The harmful misconception that other cultures restrict womens liberation
The Restriction Myth: The flawed belief that feminism is a fight against social restrictions
The Judgment Myth: The fallacy of celebrating womens choices without first interrogating the privileges afforded or denied to the women
In later chapters, Khader draws on global and intersectional feminist lessons of the past and present to imagine feminisms future. She pays particular attention to women of color, especially those in the Global South. Khader recounts their cultural and political stories of building a more inclusive framework in their societies. These are the women, she argues, from whom todays feminists can learn.
Khaders critical inquiry begets a new vision of feminism: one that tackles inequality at the societal, not individual, level and is ultimately rooted in community.
