Where Are All the Pragmatist Feminists?

Abstract

Unlike our counterparts in Europe who have rewritten their specific cultural philosophical heritage, American feminists have not yet critically reappropriated our own philosophical tradition of classical American pragmatism. The neglect is especially puzzling, given that both feminism and pragmatism explicitly acknowledge the material or cultural specificity of supposedly abstract theorizing. In this article I suggest some reasons for the neglect, call for the rediscovery of women pragmatists, reflect on a feminine side of pragmatism, and point out some common features. The aim is to encourage the further development of a feminist revisioning of pragmatism and a pragmatist version of feminism.

Exploring Paradigms in Postpartum Depression Research: The Need for Feminist Pragmatism

“…Finally, the concept of study and action, science and social reform builds naturally upon the concepts of community and reciprocity. This means that one does not philosophize for the sake of philosophy; rather, philosophical techniques are means to make a difference and not ends in themselves (Seigfried, 1991).…”

“…Both feminism and pragmatism emphasize political awareness and focus on lived experience, activism, and change as the basis of philosophy (Rooney, 1993). Seigfried (1991) identifies three main commonalities between feminist and pragmatist thinking: (a) both begin with the experience of the person; (b) the goal in research is to benefit the person or resolve the problem; and (c) the researcher is not a neutral party but rather is the investigator, and his or her experience always shapes knowledge.…”

Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Instrumentalism beyond Dewey

“…In her thought‐provoking article calling “for the rediscovery of women pragmatists,” Charlene Haddock Seigfried contends that “pragmatism's white, male pantheon needs to be expanded to include women's contributions” (Seigfried 1991, 1, 8). This essay, a response to that call, argues that Charlotte Perkins Gilman belongs in pragmatism's pantheon—and with her—the women who influenced her and shared her vision of reform.…”

Dewey and Feminism: The Affective and Relationships in Dewey's Ethics

“…Charlene Haddock Seigfried has recently suggested we have only begun to explore “the mutual benefits of a feminist pragmatism and a pragmatist feminism” (Seigfried 1991, 2). This article begins developing those aspects of Dewey's ethics that might be useful resources for feminist writers in ethics 3 .…”