Feminist African Philosophy: Women and the Politics of Difference

The book emphasizes the need to integrate women's perspectives and gender issues into African philosophy to ensure that it accurately represents the thoughts of Africans across the continent. It explores key concepts such as Ujamaa, Negritude, Ubuntu, Consciencism, and African Socialism, and discusses how they relate to African women's lives and experiences. Additionally, it addresses topics that have been overlooked in African philosophy, such as sex, sexuality, rape, motherhood, prostitution, and women's political participation. The book highlights the work of feminist scholars to engage with African philosophy from an African feminist viewpoint.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book makes a compelling argument that for African philosophy to accurately reflect the diverse thoughts of Africans across the continent, women's perspectives and gender issues must be fully integrated into its framework. The discipline of African philosophy emerged as a direct response to Western and Eurocentric hegemonies, with the goal of challenging and subverting these dominant ideologies. However, despite its noble intentions, African philosophy has predominantly been dominated by male perspectives, sidelining the contributions and experiences of women.

This book argues that African philosophy cannot truly liberate people of African descent from marginalization until it addresses the androcentric nature that has permeated its discourse. Key concepts such as Ujamaa, Negritude, Ubuntu, Consciencism, and African Socialism are explored as they relate to African women's lives, either as models of inclusion or exclusion from politics. In addition to offering a feminist critique of African philosophy, the book also delves into topics that have consistently been overlooked within the discipline. These topics include sex, sexuality, rape, motherhood, prostitution, and the low participation of women in politics.

By highlighting the work of prominent feminist scholars from Africa, such as Oyeronke Oyewumi, Nkiru Nzegwu, Ifi Amadiume, Amina Mama, and Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, the book engages with African philosophy from an African feminist perspective. This approach provides a fresh and insightful lens through which to understand the complexities of African thought and culture.

The book is an invaluable resource for students and researchers interested in African philosophy and gender studies. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the issues that shape African women's lives and the broader African community. Through its critical analysis and feminist perspective, the book provides a roadmap for promoting gender equality and social justice in Africa and beyond.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032131306