I’m considering a series of “Feminism 101″ posts. This would be a space in which I can explore nuances and try to apply the concepts I encounter in my reading.

I decided to focus my (currently random) study of feminism into a three-prong approach:

1) The History of Feminism: My interest in this subject springs from a paper I wrote last semester contrasting the LDS Church’s response to Mormon suffragists and to the supporters of the ERA (a week after I turned in the paper, my wife got a copy of Pedestals and Podiums). I’m starting with No Turning Back : The History of Feminism and the Future of Women by Estelle Freedman.

2) Feminist Theory, within the context of Religious Studies: I’m interested in feminist theory, but I am first and foremost a scholar of religion. This way I can study both! My inaugural text in this area is Introducing Feminist Theology (which I borrowed back from Dora, but she has my latest issue of Bitch magazine as collateral)
3) Contemporary, Popular Feminist Writing: The theory and the history are one thing, but the practical implementation is another. What is feminism on the street and in the trenches? What does it mean to the average Jane (and Joe)? I have a lot of blog and ‘zine (and one great spousely) sources for this, but I’m also reading The Bust Guide to the New Girl Order. It’s a real eye-opener for this sheltered guy.

I think that’s enough for now.