Reading Questions Feminist Classics
2023-2024
Session 1 – Introduction:
1. Stuurman and Akkerman state that if we are to recognize ‘feminism’ before the term
emerged towards the end of the 19th century, we need to have a preliminary notion of
what constitutes ‘feminism’, in order to ‘know what we are looking for’. How do
Stuurman and Akkerman define feminism? Do you agree with their definition, or
would you define ‘feminism’ differently?
The text breaks down feminism into three key parts. First, there's the critique of sexism and
the belief that men are better, which involves questioning discrimination against women.
Second, there's the idea that women's situations can get better and change over time. And
finally, there's the focus on forming a strong collective identity to support women's rights.
This definition gives us a broad way to think about feminism, even in times before people
used the word "feminism" in the late 1800s. It helps us identify feminist ideas and movements
throughout history.
I agree with this definition of feminism. I think it is focused on the adaptability of the
concept of feminism. Though, I do miss the conce§pt of intersectionality in Stuurman and
Akkerman’s definition as it does not explicitly address how feminism intersects with other
aspects of identity and oppression, such as race, class, sexuality, and disability.
2. Why is studying the history of feminist ideas relevant today? What are some obstacles
and pitfalls that one should keep in mind when studying the history of feminist ideas?
For a number of reasons, studying the history of feminist ideas is relevant now. By illustrating
the ups and downs women have experienced over time, it aids us in understanding the
continuous struggle for gender equality and women's rights. It also serves as a reminder that
there are many various perspectives on feminism, ranging from early feminist movements to
contemporary intersectional feminism.
Furthermore, studying feminist history challenges our preconceived notions about
gender, power, and society. However, there are several pitfalls to avoid, such as
oversimplifying issues, placing too much emphasis on Europe, and failing to recognize that
feminism isn't only about women—men have contributed as well. Furthermore, it's important
to recall the historical context of these concepts since it influences how we interpret them.
, In other words, researching feminist history enables us to address contemporary
gender concerns, but for a whole picture, we must be mindful of these possible snags.
, Session 2 – Christine de Pisan:
1. Christine De Pisan addresses many prejudices that were used to assert the inferiority
of women. Mention a number of these prejudices, referring to the text. How do the
protagonists of her book refute these prejudices?
Christine de Pizan's "The Book of the City of Ladies" is a significant work in feminist
literature that addresses and refutes many prejudices and stereotypes that were commonly
used to assert the inferiority of women during her time (late 14th and early 15th centuries). In
the book, Christine uses a fictional allegorical framework to create a city built by and for
women, where famous historical and mythological women serve as the citizens and residents.
The three main protagonists of the book, Lady Reason, Lady Rectitude, and Lady Justice,
work together to refute these prejudices and showcase the capabilities and virtues of women.
Here are some of the prejudices addressed in the book and how the protagonists refute them:
- Intellectual Inferiority: Women were often considered intellectually inferior to men.
Christine's protagonists, especially Lady Reason, challenge this prejudice by
discussing the achievements of renowned women scholars and writers like Sappho,
Hypatia, and other female philosophers and thinkers.
- Moral Weakness: Another common prejudice was the belief that women were morally
weaker and more prone to sin. Lady Rectitude and Lady Justice provide examples of
virtuous and righteous women from history and mythology, such as Lucretia and
Portia, who demonstrated moral strength and integrity.
- Emotional Instability: Women were often stereotyped as emotionally unstable and
irrational. Throughout the book, Lady Reason presents rational arguments and
evidence to counter this stereotype, emphasizing that women are capable of logical
thinking and sound judgment.
- Physical Weakness: It was commonly believed that women were physically weaker
than men. While the book doesn't directly address this prejudice, the fact that the
female citizens of the City of Ladies are portrayed as strong and capable individuals
challenges the notion of physical inferiority.
- Lack of Leadership Qualities: Christine counters the prejudice that women are not fit
for leadership roles by highlighting examples of female rulers and leaders like Queen
Semiramis and Queen Tomyris. Lady Rectitude and Lady Justice argue that women
can excel in leadership positions.
- Inferiority in Education: Women were often denied access to education. Christine uses
Lady Reason to advocate for the education of women and demonstrates that women
2023-2024
Session 1 – Introduction:
1. Stuurman and Akkerman state that if we are to recognize ‘feminism’ before the term
emerged towards the end of the 19th century, we need to have a preliminary notion of
what constitutes ‘feminism’, in order to ‘know what we are looking for’. How do
Stuurman and Akkerman define feminism? Do you agree with their definition, or
would you define ‘feminism’ differently?
The text breaks down feminism into three key parts. First, there's the critique of sexism and
the belief that men are better, which involves questioning discrimination against women.
Second, there's the idea that women's situations can get better and change over time. And
finally, there's the focus on forming a strong collective identity to support women's rights.
This definition gives us a broad way to think about feminism, even in times before people
used the word "feminism" in the late 1800s. It helps us identify feminist ideas and movements
throughout history.
I agree with this definition of feminism. I think it is focused on the adaptability of the
concept of feminism. Though, I do miss the conce§pt of intersectionality in Stuurman and
Akkerman’s definition as it does not explicitly address how feminism intersects with other
aspects of identity and oppression, such as race, class, sexuality, and disability.
2. Why is studying the history of feminist ideas relevant today? What are some obstacles
and pitfalls that one should keep in mind when studying the history of feminist ideas?
For a number of reasons, studying the history of feminist ideas is relevant now. By illustrating
the ups and downs women have experienced over time, it aids us in understanding the
continuous struggle for gender equality and women's rights. It also serves as a reminder that
there are many various perspectives on feminism, ranging from early feminist movements to
contemporary intersectional feminism.
Furthermore, studying feminist history challenges our preconceived notions about
gender, power, and society. However, there are several pitfalls to avoid, such as
oversimplifying issues, placing too much emphasis on Europe, and failing to recognize that
feminism isn't only about women—men have contributed as well. Furthermore, it's important
to recall the historical context of these concepts since it influences how we interpret them.
, In other words, researching feminist history enables us to address contemporary
gender concerns, but for a whole picture, we must be mindful of these possible snags.
, Session 2 – Christine de Pisan:
1. Christine De Pisan addresses many prejudices that were used to assert the inferiority
of women. Mention a number of these prejudices, referring to the text. How do the
protagonists of her book refute these prejudices?
Christine de Pizan's "The Book of the City of Ladies" is a significant work in feminist
literature that addresses and refutes many prejudices and stereotypes that were commonly
used to assert the inferiority of women during her time (late 14th and early 15th centuries). In
the book, Christine uses a fictional allegorical framework to create a city built by and for
women, where famous historical and mythological women serve as the citizens and residents.
The three main protagonists of the book, Lady Reason, Lady Rectitude, and Lady Justice,
work together to refute these prejudices and showcase the capabilities and virtues of women.
Here are some of the prejudices addressed in the book and how the protagonists refute them:
- Intellectual Inferiority: Women were often considered intellectually inferior to men.
Christine's protagonists, especially Lady Reason, challenge this prejudice by
discussing the achievements of renowned women scholars and writers like Sappho,
Hypatia, and other female philosophers and thinkers.
- Moral Weakness: Another common prejudice was the belief that women were morally
weaker and more prone to sin. Lady Rectitude and Lady Justice provide examples of
virtuous and righteous women from history and mythology, such as Lucretia and
Portia, who demonstrated moral strength and integrity.
- Emotional Instability: Women were often stereotyped as emotionally unstable and
irrational. Throughout the book, Lady Reason presents rational arguments and
evidence to counter this stereotype, emphasizing that women are capable of logical
thinking and sound judgment.
- Physical Weakness: It was commonly believed that women were physically weaker
than men. While the book doesn't directly address this prejudice, the fact that the
female citizens of the City of Ladies are portrayed as strong and capable individuals
challenges the notion of physical inferiority.
- Lack of Leadership Qualities: Christine counters the prejudice that women are not fit
for leadership roles by highlighting examples of female rulers and leaders like Queen
Semiramis and Queen Tomyris. Lady Rectitude and Lady Justice argue that women
can excel in leadership positions.
- Inferiority in Education: Women were often denied access to education. Christine uses
Lady Reason to advocate for the education of women and demonstrates that women
