Seeing Like a Feminist is a piece of feminist nonfiction, published in 2012. The critical timeline mostly deals with what kind of socio-political and cultural landscape feminism found in India, stimulating the study of issues related to sex, patriarchy, and intersectionality as well and comparing them with the global perspective of feminism. Her article undoubtedly carries a unique, uplifting importance for feminism in South Asia because it addresses the particular problematics and nuances of feminist theory in the Indian context. What I found delightful about Seeing Like a Feminist was that the very title itself whispered me to peek through a glass: a feminist view of how this world behaves.
Book Review: “Seeing Like a Feminist” by Nivedita Menon offers a critical examination that goes beyond traditional narratives by exploring the Indian journey of feminism. Menon encourages both women and men to reassess their viewpoints, highlighting societal views on femininity and promoting a feminist perspective. The text explores various subjects like the politics of attire, communal areas, legal frameworks, and familial relationships, demonstrating the relevance of feminism in daily life. It provides a historical analysis of sexism and gender roles, emphasizing their fabricated nature.
Menon explores the concrete aspects of gender in power dynamics and highlights intersectionality, weaving together ideas of caste, class, and sexuality. Additionally, the book examines the politics surrounding women’s bodies and their autonomy, suggesting a more inclusive perspective on feminist ideals in everyday life. Menon reaches a wide audience, attracting both scholarly feminists and individuals from diverse backgrounds, thus broadening the ideological influence. Rooted in India’s social, political, and cultural landscape, she explores historical occurrences and legal struggles to place gender norms within an international feminist perspective. In essence, this piece centers on activism, movements, and personal experiences, crafting a vibrant, individualized story that leads readers through intricate feminist dialogues.
Menon’s prose combines clarity with thought-provoking ideas, merging
वाचन संकल्प महाराष्ट्राचा
पुस्तक परीक्षण पोर्टल, जयकर ज्ञानस्रोत केंद्र, सावित्रीबाई फुले पुणे विद्यापीठ, पुणे