This major introduction to feminist cultural studies provides an important new synthesis of the feminist critique of culture. It also brilliantly reflects the interdisciplinary approach of cultural studies. The book opens with an exploration of the development of feminist academic practice and an overview of the full range of feminist theory. It includes full coverage of the equality/difference debate. Chapters then examine the impact of women’s studies on linguistics, literary theory, popular culture, history, film theory, art history, theatre studies and musicology. Part two explores the politics, theories and methods of feminist study including psychoanalysis, black criticism, lesbian studies and semiotics. This book is essential reading for anyone who needs a lively and accessible explanation of how feminism has taken culture and its academic study by storm.

'In this challenging work, feminist scholars cross boundaries to engage readers in a critical multi-cultural dialogue that expands our understanding of feminist theory and practice generally.' bell hooks, City College of New York 'A wonderful book for teaching women’s studies.' Joan W Scott, Princeton University

Anneke Smelik is professor of visual culture at Radboud University of Nijmegen (Netherlands).

Rosemarie Buikema is professor of art, culture and diversity at Utrecht University (Netherlands).