An essential collection that constructs the arguments of similarity and difference dividing and uniting women
In recent years, identity has come to be seen as a process rather than a fact or deterministic force. Yet, recognizable identity traits continue to draw people together and provide them with a sense of empowering commonality. Although the plasticity afforded identity has freed up rigid definitions and guidelines for affiliation, some believe that nebulous demarcations of identity may deprive women of a solid position from which to effectively contest centers of power.
Bringing together articles by well-known authors and theorists such as Audre Lorde, June Jordan, Daphne Patai, Barbara Smith, Marilyn Frye, Shane Phelan, Leila J. Rupp, Hazel Carby, and Adrienne Rich with lesser-known writers and scholars, this broad-based anthology ranges widely from personal narratives to empirical research. The book unpacks issues of race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and age, contributing a mélange of sharp, lively perspectives to current debate.
In a postmodern era of feminism, how do women come to identify, organize and mobilize themselves within a complex global network of relationships? Identity Politics in the Women's Movement offers critical examination of the inescapable role of identity in academic and activist feminism and the opportunities, challenges and conflicts identity politics pose.

"In what might seem an overcrowded marketplace of books on the politics of identity, Barbara Ryan has assembled an essential collection of papers that broadly construct the basic arguments of similarity and difference dividing and uniting women. Identity Politics in the Women's Movement illustrates the difficulties as well as the rewards of finding a basis for solidarity while honoring the inequalities inherent in women's multiple identities." - Carol Mueller,Arizona State University, Winner Susan Koppelman Award for Excellence, 2001 "Critical examination of the role of identity in academic and activist feminism." (Women's Review of Books) "This lively, well-edited collection of papers offers an excellent introduction to many of the issues and interests at stake." (The European Legacy)

Barbara Ryan is Professor of Sociology and Director of Women's Studies at Widener University.