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Intelligence Squared

Six Centuries of Feminist Writing, with Hannah Dawson and Merve Emre

Feb 19, 2024
In this insightful discussion, historian Hannah Dawson, an expert on feminist thought, is joined by literary critic Merve Emre. They explore the impressive six-century journey of feminist writing, from Christine de Pizan's visionary works to the empowering messages of lesser-known figures like Qiu Jin. The conversation dives into the complexities of curating feminist anthologies, challenges in the beauty industry, and the ongoing evolution of feminist theory. They advocate for inclusivity in literary representation and confront the dual burdens of activism and societal expectations on women.
01:00:17

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Feminist writing aims to challenge existing patterns of oppression and expand the definition of political writing through a range of genres.
  • The anthology of feminist writing seeks to be expansive, global, and intersectional, representing a diverse range of feminist voices throughout history.

Deep dives

The Definition of Feminist Writing

Feminist writing is distinct from women's writing and focuses on a political position against patriarchal oppression. It doesn't have a positive program but aims to fight against existing patterns of oppression. The Penguin Book of Feminist Writing encompasses a range of genres, including novels and poetry, to expand the definition of political writing. It highlights the importance of pleasure in reading and aims to challenge traditional views of political philosophy.

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