On the Necessity of Conceiving the Utopian in a Feminist Fashion

Abstract

The following considerations on the relationship between feminism and utopia are not presented as definitive. Feminism is far too diverse and utopian thinking far too disputed, to allow for this. Rather I approach the topic by pondering the specific importance of feminist ideas for political action and the importance specifically of feminist ideas in envisaging another society. In my opinion feminism needs to be understood in the context of liberation theory, and the utopian in the context of critical socialism and revolutionary 'realpolitik'. Being a resident of the previously divided, currently old and new Germany, requires me also to consider certain local particularities.