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Scripting Women’s Studies: Neera Desai on Feminism, Feminist Movements and Struggles

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  • Veena Poonacha

Abstract

Neera Desai’s pioneering effort to introduce women’s studies into the university system was born out of her commitment to women’s equality. She visualized women’s studies as a movement within the academia to challenge the theoretical rationale for oppressive socio-economic and political institutions and structures. Seeking to excavate the intellectual and ideological moorings of this remarkable woman, this paper reviews her last major work, titled, Feminism as Experience: Thoughts and Narratives (2006). The exploration reveals not only her academic interest in the study of movements, but also her intimate connect with the groundswells of feminist politics in India for over six decades. Against this rich and varied history of twentieth century Indian women’s movement in Western India, Neera Desai, presents the oral histories of women, who were in the forefront of the struggle. This paper, then examines her earlier work, entitled The Social Construction of Feminist Consciousness: A Study of Ideology and Self Awareness among Women Leader (1992) to uncover the changing frames of her research.

Suggested Citation

  • Veena Poonacha, 2018. "Scripting Women’s Studies: Neera Desai on Feminism, Feminist Movements and Struggles," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 25(2), pages 281-306, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:25:y:2018:i:2:p:281-306
    DOI: 10.1177/0971521518765529
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Neera Desai, 1995. "The Making of a Feminist," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 2(2), pages 243-253, September.
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