Feminist Modernism, Poetics, and the New Economy: Mina Loy, Lola Ridge, and Marianne Moore

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In her groundbreaking work "Feminist Modernism, Poetics, and the New Economy," Linda A. Kinnahan delves into the intricate interplay between feminist economic thought and discourse in American culture during the transformative period from the 1890s to the 1920s. Kinnahan situates her study within the broader context of the gendered field of economic discourse and cultural change that accompanied the rise of corporate consumer capitalism, culminating in its spectacular collapse during the Great Depression. With a primary focus on the early works of Mina Loy, Lola Ridge, and Marianne Moore, Kinnahan explores the ways in which these poets engaged with the diverse variations in feminist economic ideas that emerged during this era.

Mina Loy, in particular, emerges as a central figure in Kinnahan's analysis, as her poetry intertwines with the debates surrounding contemporary feminists such as Emma Goldman, Margaret Sanger, and others. Loy's work explores themes of autonomy, empowerment, and the struggle against patriarchal structures, reflecting the broader feminist movement's quest for gender equality and social justice.

Lola Ridge, on the other hand, delves into the realm of labor and the working woman, using her poetry to shed light on the challenges and struggles faced by women in the workplace. Ridge's portrayal of the working woman as resilient, determined, and often marginalized highlights the societal pressures and barriers that women encountered in their pursuit of economic independence.

Marianne Moore, in her distinct style, takes a deeper dive into the systems of exchange, value, labor, and possession that underpin the tensions between modern consumption and human need. Through her poetry, Moore explores the complexities of consumer culture, capitalism, and the commodification of human experiences, raising critical questions about the impact of these systems on individual well-being and societal values.

Kinnahan's study concludes with a thoughtful exploration of the directions taken by these poets during and, in Loy's case, just after the Great Depression. She establishes that women and their ideas played a significant role in shaping an economic rethinking of gender and ingendered rethinking of modern economics. Through their poetic expressions, Loy, Ridge, and Moore challenged traditional gender roles, advocated for labor rights, and questioned the underlying assumptions of capitalist systems.

Their contributions not only enriched the feminist discourse but also left a lasting impact on the broader cultural and economic landscape of the time. "Feminist Modernism, Poetics, and the New Economy" serves as a testament to the power of poetry as a tool for social change and the enduring relevance of feminist economic ideas in shaping our understanding of gender, economics, and society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472477606