Is Academic Feminism Dead?

Product Description What role does theory play in academia today? How can feminist theory be made more relevant to the very real struggles undertaken by women of all professions, races, and sexual orientation? How can it be directed into more effective social activism, and how is theory itself a form of practice? Feminist theory and political activism need not—indeed cannot—be distinct and alienated from one another. To reconcile the gulf between word and deed, scholar-activists from a broad range of disciplines have come together here to explore the ways in which practice and theory intersect and interact. The authors argue against overly abstract and esoteric theorizing that fails its own tests of responsible political practice and suggest alternative methods by which to understand feminist issues and attain feminist goals. They also examine the current state of affairs in the academy, exposing the ways in which universities systematically reinforce social hierarchies and offering important and intelligent suggestions for curricular and structural changes. Is Academic Feminism Dead? marks a significant step forward in relating academic and social movement feminism. It recognizes and examines the diverse realities experienced by women, as well as the changing political, cultural, and economic realities shaping contemporary feminism. Review "A balanced inquiry into the lives of these long-overlooked professionals. . . . Sharing a wealth of interesting, entertaining, and dramatic anecdotes...Rich enough to satisfy the most curious reader."-"Booklist","But mythological 'stews'--young women living a life of sex, drugs and never-ending voyage--is a far cry from the well documented realities presented in Whitelegg's new book. . . . Using a series of interviews and focus groups with flight attendants of all ages, Whitelegg charts the arc of a profession barely seven decades old."-"Dallas Morning News","Debunks popular myths that portray the profession as glamorous, exotic, and sexually freeing by taking readers through a typical journey; with interviews and profiles of flight attendants."-"Foreword","In "Working the Skies", Whitelegg takes the interviews and study of a multitude of flight attendants and creates a readable, enjoyable tale of the perils and possibilities flight attendants face."-"Feminist Review","While also providing some history, Whitelegg mostly takes a contemporary look at the lives of flight attendants, drawn from interviews with over 60 current and former flight attendants and other airline workers. . . . Whitelegg's observations and use of candid, day-in-the-life snapshots are interesting."-"Library Journal", About the Author