Staking a Claim
Feminism, Bureaucracy and the State
1st Edition
Published on 1. September 2025
Book
Hardback
206 pages
978-1-041-10425-4 (ISBN)
Description
First published in 1989, Staking a Claim brings feminist experience and social theory together to produce a systematic view of the State as an agent in sexual politics, thereby placing in question the nature of the State itself. The book approaches this task at two levels: an argument about the theory of the State and the social analysis of gender; and a set of case studies-childcare, equal employment opportunities, sexual violence-on the interplay between feminism and State structure in Australia during a period of 15 years.
In drawing on the experience of feminist demands on the State, Staking a Claim reveals how the State is constituted by gender relations and shaped by the vicissitudes of sexual politics. It will be a beneficial read for students and researchers of sociology.
In drawing on the experience of feminist demands on the State, Staking a Claim reveals how the State is constituted by gender relations and shaped by the vicissitudes of sexual politics. It will be a beneficial read for students and researchers of sociology.
Reviews / Votes
Review of the first publication:'Staking a Claim is an important book. It is the first serious Australian attempt to investigate feminist engagements with 'the state', and to set this in a theoretical framework.'
- McKenna, H F., The Australian Journal of Social Issues, Vol. 25, Iss. 4
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Weight
550 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-10425-4 (9781041104254)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
09/2025
Routledge
€73.99
Available for download
E-Book
09/2025
Routledge
€73.99
Available for download
Persons
Suzanne Franzway is Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at the University of South Australia. Her work is motivated by the puzzles and passions of the politics of everyday life and social justice.
Dianne Court, feminist activist, unionist and teacher, died before she was able to complete a major project in the relationship between feminist theory, the women's movement and the State.
R.W. Connell is Professor Emerita at the University of Sydney, and a Life Member of the National Tertiary Education Union. She is best known internationally for studies on masculinity. She was one of the founders of this research field.
Dianne Court, feminist activist, unionist and teacher, died before she was able to complete a major project in the relationship between feminist theory, the women's movement and the State.
R.W. Connell is Professor Emerita at the University of Sydney, and a Life Member of the National Tertiary Education Union. She is best known internationally for studies on masculinity. She was one of the founders of this research field.
Content
Introduction Biographical note Part 1: The state in sexual politics 1. The problem: seeing sexual politics and seeing the state 2. Current theories 3. A framework Part 2: Case studies 4. Child care 5. Equal opportunity 6. Sexual violence Part 3: Feminism and bureaucracy 7. The 'femocrat' strategy 8. Gains and losses or Where will it all end? Appendix: Di Court's project