Serene Khader, "Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop" (Beacon Press, 2024)

Nov 21, 2024

Serene Khader, a political philosopher and professor at Brooklyn College, explores the pitfalls of modern feminism in her book 'Faux Feminism.' She critiques the popular 'girlboss' culture, emphasizing that personal successes do not equate to collective progress. Khader debunks myths around freedom and individualism, advocating for a more inclusive feminism that addresses global and intersectional issues. She calls for rethinking self-care as a communal responsibility and highlights the need to decolonize feminist discourse for greater equity.

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INSIGHT

Faux Feminism’s Focus

Feminisms that prioritize individual freedom often benefit elite women at the expense of others.
Khader advocates for a feminism focused on collective equality and fighting oppression as hierarchical relationships.

INSIGHT

The Restriction Myth

The restriction myth frames injustice solely as a deprivation of freedom, neglecting other forms like inequality.
Khader uses the orgasm gap as an example, showing how increased sexual freedom hasn't resolved pleasure inequalities.

INSIGHT

The Individualism Myth

Individual success doesn’t trickle down; women are incentivized to sell out other women under capitalism.
Khader critiques the devaluation of care work and how individual career advancement burdens other women disproportionately.

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After over 175 years, the feminist movement, now in its fourth wave, is at risk of collapsing on its eroding foundation. In Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop (Beacon Press, 2024), political philosopher Serene Khader advocates for another feminism—one that doesn’t overwhelmingly serve white, affluent #girlbosses. With empathy, passion, and wit, Khader invites the reader to join her as she excavates the movement’s 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 women’s liberation.

–The Restriction Myth: The flawed belief that feminism is a fight against social restrictions.

–The Judgment Myth: The fallacy of celebrating women’s 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 feminism’s 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 today’s feminists can learn.

Khader’s critical inquiry begets a new vision of feminism: one that tackles inequality at the societal, not individual, level and is ultimately rooted in community.

Serene Khader is Jay Newman Chair in Philosophy of Culture at Brooklyn College and Professor of Philosophy and Women's and Gender Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Emily K. Crandall is a Doctoral Lecturer in Women and Gender Studies at Hunter College. She holds a PhD in Political Theory from the Graduate Center, CUNY.

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