Revolutionary Feminist Shulamith Firestone: A Catalyst for Radical Change in the 21st Century

Huckle, Molly (2024) Revolutionary Feminist Shulamith Firestone: A Catalyst for Radical Change in the 21st Century. Masters thesis, University of Gloucestershire. doi:10.46289/8V82KV67

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Abstract

In the 21st century, there remains an unequal division between men and women. Both gender and sex inequality are still exploited for male gain, and our current feminist movement is not enough to tackle the roots of this oppression. Therefore, this thesis will present a case that to overcome all inequalities in society we must revert to a more fundamental approach. I refer to this within the radical and socialist branch of feminism of the second wave. I argue that the crucial author of this movement, is Shulamith Firestone, and her book The Dialectic of Sex. I present this case, through a detailed analysis of the key chapters of her work, explaining its context, its key concepts/arguments, and the radical demands it promotes that are still relevant for feminists today. By examining Firestones key strategies on uprooting patriarchal institutions, I will outline where feminism has fallen short in American history, how women are exploited because of the sex/gender system, and how patriarchy has embedded itself into society. Only through the unity of socialism and feminism, as outlined by Firestone, can offer a compelling programme for contemporary feminism.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Shulamith Firestone; Second wave feminism; Patriarchal systems
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Creative Arts
Depositing User:	Anna Kerr
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2025 14:45
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2025 14:45
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/14862

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