Women In Political Theory

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This acclaimed textbook explores the intertwined origins of misogyny and Western political thought, examining how this relationship manifests in classic and modern political theory. The revised edition updates the analysis of attitudes towards women and their roles in economy, society, and state, which have historically been deemed inferior and secondary to men's. A key aim is to highlight the crucial contributions women were implicitly assumed to make to civic virtue and political stability. From this viewpoint, the private lives and emotional capacities ascribed to women gain vital public significance. This often-overlooked aspect of political thought history is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the tradition and its major thinkers. The updated analysis includes a new introduction and conclusion that bring contemporary debates to the forefront. The concluding chapter addresses modern feminist theory through poststructuralist and postmodernist lenses, allowing for a reappraisal of earlier critical perspectives. The second edition continues to offer invaluable insights into the role of gender in political theory for students and researchers in political thought, theory, philosophy, and feminist studies. Diana Coole serves as a Lecturer in Politics at Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London.