Postsecular Feminisms: Religion and Gender in Transnational Context

About the Author

Nandini Deo is Associate Professor of Political Science at Lehigh University, USA

Product Description

Postsecular Feminisms explores the contested relationship between feminism and secularism through a series of case studies, featuring perspectives from the global North and South. It offers insights beyond those of the Abrahamic traditions, and includes multiple examples from South Asia. By decentering the European experience, Postsecular Feminisms shows how secularism and feminism have been constituted in North America, South Asia, and Anglophone West Africa.

The book asks: can postsecular feminism offer a way to think about religion and gender so as to support women in all the variety of their lived experiences? The contributors show that postsecular feminism is a variety of feminism that is not necessarily either secularist or anti-secular. Rather it is feminism informed by a history of secularist bias within liberal feminism. Postsecular Feminisms explores both the potentials and pitfalls of postsecular feminisms, with some authors arguing that a contextually grounded praxis is possible, while others make a strong case against postsecular feminism as theory and practice.

Review

“At a time of increasing attacks on secularism and secular feminism in both academia and the public spheres in general, Postsecular Feminisms provides an important intervention in the contested terrain of feminism's relationship with religion. Challenging the binary frame of secularism and religion, the volume's essays help to deepen our understanding of contemporary issues as well as expand analyses of agency and subjectivity within feminist theory.” ―Rashmi Varma, Editorial Collective Member of Feminist Dissent and Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literary Studies, University of Warwick, UK

“Postsecular Feminisms brings in conversation scholars from diverse backgrounds to provide rich alternatives to the secular/religious binary. In so doing, the volume opens new theoretical and methodological doors for thinking about the relationship between feminism and religion. This wonderful collection is an essential read for students and scholars who have been looking for a productive lens to help make better sense of the hybridity and intricacies of contemporary diversity.” ―Amelie Barras, Assistant Professor of Social Science, York University, Canada.

“The book takes seriously the continuing relevance of religion in the lives of most women, including those drawn to a course in which this book would be featured. This is a big strength.” ―Tracy Fessenden, Steve and Margaret Forster Professor, School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Arizona State University, USA

“I am excited about the possibility of using this book in my teaching. There are some excellent essays and the range of topics and transnational approach make it especially attractive.” ―Laura S. Levitt, Professor of Religion, Jewish Studies and Gender, Temple University, USA