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Faux Feminism

Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop

Author Serene Khader
Narrator Sharmila Devar
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Beacon Press | Beacon Press Audio
On sale Oct 29, 2024 | 8 Hours and 48 Minutes | 9780807035146
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For readers of Hood Feminism and Against White Feminism

An incisive examination of why the pillars of feminism have eroded—and how all women, not just the #girlbosses, can rebuild them

After over 175 years, the feminist movement, now in its fourth wave, is at risk of collapsing on its eroding foundation. In Faux Feminism, political philosopher Serene Khader advocates for another feminism—one that doesn’t overwhelmingly serve white, affluent #girlbosses. With empathy, passion, and wit, Khader invites the reader to join her as she excavates the movement’s history and draws a blueprint for a more inclusive and resilient future.

A feminist myth buster, Khader begins by deconstructing “faux feminisms.” Thought to be the pillars of good feminism, they may appeal to many but, in truth, leave most women behind. Khader identifies these traps that white feminism lays for us all, asking readers to think critically about 

–The Freedom Myth: The overarching misconception that feminism is about personal freedom rather than collective equality
–The Individualism Myth: The pervasive idea that feminism aims to free individual women from social expectations
–The Culture Myth: The harmful misconception that “other” cultures restrict women’s liberation
–The Restriction Myth: The flawed belief that feminism is a fight against social restrictions
–The Judgment Myth: The fallacy of celebrating women’s choices without first interrogating the privileges afforded or denied to the women

In later chapters, Khader draws on global and intersectional feminist lessons of the past and present to imagine feminism’s future. She pays particular attention to women of color, especially those in the Global South. Khader recounts their cultural and political stories of building a more inclusive framework in their societies. These are the women, she argues, from whom today’s feminists can learn.

Khader’s critical inquiry begets a new vision of feminism: one that tackles inequality at the societal, not individual, level and is ultimately rooted in community.
“Well researched compellingly written, and passionately argued . . . a fascinating and informative read.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Faux Feminism is an incisive and compelling book that gets to the heart of the issue. Khader has made a crucial contribution toward showing the path forward for feminists. The clarity and poise of her writing further make Faux Feminism an essential and marvelous read.”
—Rafia Zakaria, author of Against White Feminism: Notes on Disruption

“Serene Khader argues that feminism has been associated with the concept of freedom. At first, this may not seem problematic. In the Western world, freedom is highly valued and has been the driving force behind independence movements in many nations, as well as the foundation of liberal policies. However, Khader believes that this emphasis on freedom has led to a superficial form of feminism that benefits only a few, often at the expense of the many. Khader provides insightful analysis and compelling examples to help readers challenge the myths that uphold the status quo and critically examine ideas that may be holding us back, even if they are culturally ingrained and ideologically seductive. Ultimately, Khader encourages us to rethink our understanding of feminism and strive for a version that benefits everyone. Thought-provoking and instructive, Faux Feminism is a book to struggle with and use in the struggle.”
—Myisha Cherry, author of Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better

“Brave, brilliant, and bracing, Serene Khader’s Faux Feminism is a vital, timely book for anyone who wants to become attuned to misogynistic and racist ideas in feminist garb—or the way feminists ourselves can perpetuate these harms under the aegis of certain long-standing, deeply held myths that dog the movement. In excavating these ideas forensically and patiently, Khader has given us a must-read for anyone with a conscience in our times, striving to do—and think—better.”
—Kate Manne, author of Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women

“An engaging, smart, and persuasive exploration of ‘faux feminism’ and its dangers. . . . Faux Feminism is a page-turner—timely, beautifully argued, and important reading in an era of misinformation, consumer capitalism, and right-wing populism.”
—Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity
Serene J. Khader is professor of philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center and author of Decolonizing Universalism: A Transnational Feminist Ethic. She holds the Jay Newman Chair in Philosophy of Culture at Brooklyn College, and her work on global women’s issues has been published in outlets such as the New York Times. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. Find her online at www.serenekhader.com and on X (@serenekhader).
Serene Khader View titles by Serene Khader
INTRODUCTION
The Secret Life of an Idea

CHAPTER 1
The Restriction Myth: Is Oppression the Same as Telling People What to Do?

CHAPTER 2
The Individualism Myth: Having It All or Doing It All?

CHAPTER 3
The Culture Myth: Freedom Feminism Is White Feminism in Disguise

CHAPTER 4
The Judgment Myth: The Personal Isn’t as Political as You Think

CHAPTER 5
Equality and Intersectionality

CONCLUSION
The Soul of Feminism

Acknowledgments
Notes
Index

About

For readers of Hood Feminism and Against White Feminism

An incisive examination of why the pillars of feminism have eroded—and how all women, not just the #girlbosses, can rebuild them

After over 175 years, the feminist movement, now in its fourth wave, is at risk of collapsing on its eroding foundation. In Faux Feminism, political philosopher Serene Khader advocates for another feminism—one that doesn’t overwhelmingly serve white, affluent #girlbosses. With empathy, passion, and wit, Khader invites the reader to join her as she excavates the movement’s history and draws a blueprint for a more inclusive and resilient future.

A feminist myth buster, Khader begins by deconstructing “faux feminisms.” Thought to be the pillars of good feminism, they may appeal to many but, in truth, leave most women behind. Khader identifies these traps that white feminism lays for us all, asking readers to think critically about 

–The Freedom Myth: The overarching misconception that feminism is about personal freedom rather than collective equality
–The Individualism Myth: The pervasive idea that feminism aims to free individual women from social expectations
–The Culture Myth: The harmful misconception that “other” cultures restrict women’s liberation
–The Restriction Myth: The flawed belief that feminism is a fight against social restrictions
–The Judgment Myth: The fallacy of celebrating women’s choices without first interrogating the privileges afforded or denied to the women

In later chapters, Khader draws on global and intersectional feminist lessons of the past and present to imagine feminism’s future. She pays particular attention to women of color, especially those in the Global South. Khader recounts their cultural and political stories of building a more inclusive framework in their societies. These are the women, she argues, from whom today’s feminists can learn.

Khader’s critical inquiry begets a new vision of feminism: one that tackles inequality at the societal, not individual, level and is ultimately rooted in community.

Reviews

“Well researched compellingly written, and passionately argued . . . a fascinating and informative read.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Faux Feminism is an incisive and compelling book that gets to the heart of the issue. Khader has made a crucial contribution toward showing the path forward for feminists. The clarity and poise of her writing further make Faux Feminism an essential and marvelous read.”
—Rafia Zakaria, author of Against White Feminism: Notes on Disruption

“Serene Khader argues that feminism has been associated with the concept of freedom. At first, this may not seem problematic. In the Western world, freedom is highly valued and has been the driving force behind independence movements in many nations, as well as the foundation of liberal policies. However, Khader believes that this emphasis on freedom has led to a superficial form of feminism that benefits only a few, often at the expense of the many. Khader provides insightful analysis and compelling examples to help readers challenge the myths that uphold the status quo and critically examine ideas that may be holding us back, even if they are culturally ingrained and ideologically seductive. Ultimately, Khader encourages us to rethink our understanding of feminism and strive for a version that benefits everyone. Thought-provoking and instructive, Faux Feminism is a book to struggle with and use in the struggle.”
—Myisha Cherry, author of Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better

“Brave, brilliant, and bracing, Serene Khader’s Faux Feminism is a vital, timely book for anyone who wants to become attuned to misogynistic and racist ideas in feminist garb—or the way feminists ourselves can perpetuate these harms under the aegis of certain long-standing, deeply held myths that dog the movement. In excavating these ideas forensically and patiently, Khader has given us a must-read for anyone with a conscience in our times, striving to do—and think—better.”
—Kate Manne, author of Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women

“An engaging, smart, and persuasive exploration of ‘faux feminism’ and its dangers. . . . Faux Feminism is a page-turner—timely, beautifully argued, and important reading in an era of misinformation, consumer capitalism, and right-wing populism.”
—Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity

Author

Serene J. Khader is professor of philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center and author of Decolonizing Universalism: A Transnational Feminist Ethic. She holds the Jay Newman Chair in Philosophy of Culture at Brooklyn College, and her work on global women’s issues has been published in outlets such as the New York Times. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. Find her online at www.serenekhader.com and on X (@serenekhader).
Serene Khader View titles by Serene Khader

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
The Secret Life of an Idea

CHAPTER 1
The Restriction Myth: Is Oppression the Same as Telling People What to Do?

CHAPTER 2
The Individualism Myth: Having It All or Doing It All?

CHAPTER 3
The Culture Myth: Freedom Feminism Is White Feminism in Disguise

CHAPTER 4
The Judgment Myth: The Personal Isn’t as Political as You Think

CHAPTER 5
Equality and Intersectionality

CONCLUSION
The Soul of Feminism

Acknowledgments
Notes
Index

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