Undressing Feminism (Paragon Issues in Philosophy)

Undressing Feminism is an eminently readable work in which Klein argues that today's feminism is one of the leading causes of social and legal problems in contemporary American culture. Undressing Feminism traces the fight for equality for women from the 1700s until today and then makes dire predictions for feminism's future. Klein weaves an historical accounting of some of the most outrageous and interesting claims of "equality" made throughout the centuries. Although entirely committed to the spirit of first generation feminists, Klein shows that contemporary feminism(s), once "disrobed" from its rhetorical garb of equality with men, is laid bare as having a single-minded political agenda - the achievement of privilege over men. This goal, it is argued, is blatantly inconsistent with any reasonable notion of equality, and creates an insidious sexism apparent in the behavior of feminists themselves. In the final analysis, Klein urges readers to abandon feminism, in all its contemporary guises, in order to embrace a productive and healthy account of justice, merit, and overall human excellence.