Feeling Feminism: Activism, Affect, and Canada's Second Wave

Emotions are a powerful force in feminist activism, influencing experiences of injustice, exclusion, and suffering. Feeling Feminism explores how emotions such as anger, rage, joy, and hopefulness shaped second-wave feminist action and theorizing in Canada, highlighting the movement's impact on contemporary society and the contested nature of the movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

Emotions play a significant yet often overlooked role in feminist activism, manifesting in various forms such as beauty pageant protests and fire bombings of pornographic video stores. These emotions are deeply intertwined with the experiences of injustice, exclusion, care, and suffering that have fueled women's commitment to building and sustaining a new world.

In her book, Feeling Feminism: Anger, Rage, Joy, and Hopefulness in Second-Wave Feminism Across Canada, Dr. Jessica Taylor explores the profound influence of emotions on second-wave feminist activism and theorizing in Canada. Drawing on affect theory, the contributors to this volume convey the passion, sense of possibility, and collective political commitment that have characterized feminism. They reveal the full impact of feminism on contemporary Canada and highlight the contested and sometimes exclusionary nature of the movement itself.

The contributors to Feeling Feminism come from diverse fields, including gender and women's studies, cultural and literary theory, social psychology, and sociology. They engage in a rich dialogue, exploring how emotions shaped and nourished feminist activism. Through their insights, they demonstrate the power of emotions, desires, and actions to transform the world.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the intersection of emotions and political consciousness. The contributors argue that emotions can be a powerful catalyst for political change, as they can evoke a sense of urgency and collective action. They highlight the role of anger, rage, and frustration in driving women to challenge traditional gender roles and fight for equality. At the same time, they recognize the importance of joy, hopefulness, and optimism in sustaining feminist activism over time.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of the ways in which emotions can be both empowering and limiting. While emotions can provide a source of strength and motivation, they can also lead to burnout, isolation, and emotional distress. The contributors discuss the challenges faced by feminist activists, including the need to balance emotional well-being with political engagement and the potential for emotional manipulation by opponents.

Feeling Feminism offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between emotions, feminism, and social change. It challenges readers to consider the role of emotions in their own lives and activism and encourages them to embrace the full range of human experiences as a means of building a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 227 x 153 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774866514