Feminist Theory in Family Studies: History, Reflection, and Critique

Abstract

In this invited commentary, I address the history and impact of feminist theory in family studies, casting a critical perspective on theorizing in both feminist studies and family studies. I assess indicators of the impact of feminist theory on the study of families, consider the enduring tensions in feminist family theory, and trace 4 generations of feminist theorizing and activism as a prelude to the ways that feminist theory critiques the patriarchal family. Through texts that reflect some of my own educational experiences, I discuss a selection of articles and books that have been influential in establishing the body of knowledge associated with feminist family studies. I conclude with a reflection on the life and work of Alexis J. Walker, to whom this article is dedicated.

Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in the 20th Century

“…Faderman's book, though, helped uncover the silenced experiences of women who loved women throughout the 20th century (Allen, , ; Rupp, ). Lesbians were hidden for so long, and this book highlighted their influence in conjunction with feminism as a whole, especially during the period of lesbian feminism.…”

“…Taking a decade‐by‐decade approach, the reader can understand how, for women and for lesbians, things have changed yet stayed the same throughout the century—showing how far we have come and how little progress has been made. As there was a movement to chisel away at patriarchy, there in turn was backlash and movement to more conservative times (Allen, ).…”

“…According to Faderman, the dichotomies mimicked heterosexual society. As Katherine Allen has discussed, personal lives are shaped by gender, and family relationships reflect the societal structure of expectations and social institutions (Allen, ; Baber & Allen, ). The discussion of gender roles and gender expression in relation to butch and/or femme has been a critique of Odd Girls (Freedman, ) and of how the book continues to be referenced in recent literature (e.g., Goldberg, ).…”

“…Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers , written by Lillian Faderman, professor emeritus in English at California State University, Fresno, focuses on lesbian history through literature and interviews. The book was a groundbreaking piece of work that brought to light discussions that had been silenced and in the shadows until the late 20th century (Allen, , ; Rupp, ). Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers has been cited more than a thousand times since it was published.…”

From the Book Review Editor

“…In the case of Journal of Family Theory & Review , authors are encouraged to discuss the contribution books make to theory development and interdisciplinary integration. In this issue, we deviate from this tradition and all the reviews are of books that appeared decades ago—all classical works referenced by Katherine Allen () in her invited commentary in this issue “Feminist Theory in Family Studies: History, Reflection, and Critique.”…”