New Books Network Katharine Jenkins, "Feminist Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Oct 1, 2025
Katharine Jenkins, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Glasgow, dives into the nuances of feminist philosophy in her latest work. She explores the interconnectedness of gender oppression, beauty, and sexuality while questioning whether a coherent tradition exists within feminist thought. Jenkins discusses the impact of language on feminist aims, the structural nature of oppression, and emphasizes intersectionality for building solidarity. She critiques the tradwife phenomenon and envisions alternatives to conventional social structures, championing grassroots organizing for a more equitable world.
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Purpose Defines Feminist Philosophy
- Katharine Jenkins defines feminist philosophy by purpose: philosophy done in service of feminist aims to end women's oppression.
- Whether work counts as feminist philosophy depends on if it genuinely furthers emancipation rather than merely claiming to.
Language Carries Political Stakes
- Language choices in feminist philosophy matter and carry political stakes, but terms and conventions shift over time.
- Jenkins advises reading terminology with awareness of changing usage and political context rather than treating words as neutral.
‘Define Woman’ Questions Often Mask Politics
- Debates about defining 'woman' often mask deeper political conflicts, especially around trans politics.
- Jenkins argues many disputes over definition are really attempts to exclude and oppress trans people rather than neutral linguistic questions.
