In Defence of Separatism

In Defence of Separatism is a timely book. When it was first written in 1976, although it was an important subject of conversation among many feminists, it was not welcomed by academics or publishers. Through careful argument, Susan Hawthorne takes us through the ideas which are central to her argument. She analyses the nature of power, oppression, domination, and institutions, and applies these to heterosexuality, rape, and romantic love. She concludes with a call for women, all women no matter their sexuality, to have separate spaces so they can work together to change the world and end patriarchy. This 2019 edition includes a preface, an afterword, and additional commentary in italicised footnotes that bring the reader up to date on changes, developments, and controversies in feminist theory.