Abstract

This book is representative of the rich diversity of contemporary Australian scholarship in the 1990s. Ann Curthoys begins with an overview of Australian feminisms from 1970 until the present, and poses the question of whether Australian feminist thinking has developed a distinctivecharacter. Her conclusions are complemented by Anne Summers' and Gisela Kaplan's comparisions with developments in the Us and Europe, and by Jill Roe's piece on Australian women and nationalism. Questions raised in Curthoy's discussion of feminist responses to postmodern and postcolonial critiquesare taken up in differing contexts by philosoper Philippa Rothfield, anthropologists Gill Bottomley, Maila Stivens and Vicki Kirby and film theorist Barbara Creed. Historians Jackie Huggins, Patricia Grimshaw and Marilyn Lake offer new perspectives on the complex relationships between AustralianAboriginal women and Australian feminisms. The gender problems associated with economic issues are addressed by trade unionist Carmel Shute, in Gillian Hewitson's critique of neoclassical economics and in Lois Bryson's discussion of women, work and welfare. Difficulties in the implementation ofequal opportunity in the workplace are discussed by Margaret Thornton and Rosemary Pringle. Norma Grieve describes some possible childhood precursors of the 'boys games' that often impede this implementation. Feminist critiques of continuing gender inequities in the law, in politics and inmarriage are provided by Adrian Hose, Marian Simms and Ailsa Burns. Beverley Kingston gives a historical account of the gendered nature of shopping and Stephanie Bunbury discusses the gender positions available in teen movies. The final chapter by Susan Magarey, Susan Sheridan and Lyndall Ryan,concerns the teaching of Women's Studies. This book, whole addressed to all who are interested in women's issue, is particularly relevant for students of Women's Studies and related disciplines.