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For readers of Hood Feminism and Against White Feminism
An incisive examination of how the pillars of feminism have eroded—and how all women, not just the white neoliberals, can rebuild them
Faux Feminism offers a fresh analysis of today’s mainstream feminist movement, arguing that the movement’s central value on women’s individual freedoms has resulted in a brand of feminism that serves only a small minority of women and that actively excludes—if not harms—the majority.
Arguing that the future of the feminist movement depends on rejecting what Serene Khader calls “today’s freedom feminism,” Khader explores global and intersectional feminist lessons, presenting a much-needed solution: feminist activism that goes beyond freedom and is more politically impactful as a result.
A powerful alternative to white feminist, neoliberal feminist, and otherwise exclusionary feminist movements, Khader’s proposed feminism draws from historical and contemporary women’s movements around the world and ultimately centers equality over individual freedom.
Grounded in rich stories drawn from cultural and political movements and informed by Khader’s unique expertise as both a political philosopher and as a scholar of global social movements, this book offers a positive vision that is capable of grounding feminist action.
Khader begins by debunking 5 myths of freedom feminism. These myths include:
- the pervasive idea that Western feminism should free “other” women from their cultures;
- the false assumption that we can effect social change by changing women, or other oppressed groups, in isolation;
- and the myth that it is inherently feminist to celebrate women’s choices without first interrogating the limited menu of choices first presented to these women.
Throughout the book, Khader draws on real world global feminist practices to build the case for a new feminism centered on equality. Arguing that only a feminism that is rooted in community and tackles inequality on the societal level is going to bring about widespread change, Khader shows that women of color, especially in the global south, have understood and practiced this feminism for a long time and insists that closer attention be paid to the lessons these women have to offer.
“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
“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
“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 longstanding, 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