Illusions of Freedom: The Regressive Implications of Post-Modernism

Abstract

As it is impossible to engage in a full-scale critique of postmodernism within the scope of an essay, I will restrict my argument to a critique of the postmodernist theme of the 'death' of the subject. In particular, I wish to discuss the ways in which this theme has been appropriated by feminist versions of postmodernism in order to show how the postmodernist repudiation of autonomous subjectivity works against the emancipatory interest of feminist theory and practice. The acceptance on the part of an increasing number of feminist theorists of the postmodernist version of the Enlightenment and modernity is resulting in a premature closure of discussions as to how concepts of subjectivity, autonomy, and reason may be reconstructed and expanded to advance the liberation of women. In confining the discussion to the impact of postmodernism on feminist theory, I hope at the same time to show that the 'anti-Enlightenment polemic' characteristic of most expositions of postmodernism has regressive implications that extend beyond feminism.