Alterity—Marginality—Difference: On Inventing Places for Women

The essay takes as its point of departure modern theories of subject-decentering and the ways in which they pertain to the question of feminine alterity. It provides a survey of feminist responses in the United States to these theories, responses that take into account both the decentered subject and differences among women. The essay then focuses on three approaches, suggested by the writings of Lennox, Adelson, and Martin. Without assuming any common consensus, the author suggests a re-examination of values that inform progressive practice, in order to develop languages for change. (G.B.-G.)