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Christina Cole “Defining Feminism”:

• Background:
• Based on the assumption that Western society is patriarchal, making women second-class citizens to men.
• Feminist critics work to gain exposure for female writers and their works so that both may be appreciated.
• Four Tenets of Feminist Theory:
• Feminist theory is political: writings shape power and influence.
• Sex and gender are different: sex is biological and gender is culturally constructed.
• The canon must expand to include women writers: women must gain greater recognition for their work.
• Stereotypes about women must be exposed: feminist critics look for misogyny (negative attitudes toward women) in works.
• Approaches to Feminist Studies:
• Studies of difference: critics look for differences in the ways in which men and women are treated in literature.
• Studies of power: critics examine power relationships between men and women.
• Studies of the female experience: critics examine the lives of female characters and authors.  

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