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A major issue in recent English-language feminist political thought has been whether liberalism can continue to serve feminist purposes or should be relegated to the past.
In The Return of Feminist Liberalism, Ruth Abbey examines the positions of three contemporary feminists - Martha Nussbaum, Susan Moller Okin, and Jean Hampton - who, notwithstanding decades of feminist critique, are unwilling to give up on liberalism. Abbey examines why, and in what ways, each of these theorists believes that liberalism offers the normative and political resources for the improvement of women's lives. Going beyond their shared allegiance to liberalism, Abbey explains and evaluates their theoretical differences, and in so doing, goes to the heart of recent debates in feminist and political theory.
"A very useful and scholarly work that engages with one of the continuing and most important debates in contemporary feminist theory." Anne Phillips, London School of Economics
"It is likely to become the go-to resource for scholars and students interested in liberal feminism, or feminist liberalism." Amy Baehr, Hofstra University, New York
"A meticulously researched, thoughtful, and clearly written discussion of crucial developments in feminist liberal theory over the past fifty years. A tremendously valuable contribution to feminist theory." Molly Shanley, Vassar College