Phillipa Kafka Libros

«Lost on the Map of the World» explores Jewish-American women’s enduring quest from ca. 1890 to the present to find a home(land) where they can have a Jewish identity and still enjoy gender equality. Originally, many were torn between obedience to confining patriarchal tradition and the attractions of an upwardly mobile secular lifestyle. Others opposed all traditional patriarchal constraints against women everywhere and engaged in political activism to improve the quality of all lives, not only their own. In contrast, many ‘new wave’ Jewish-American women have succeeded in integrating feminism into their Jewish identity, although they have so far failed in their quest to do so in Israel.

Focusing on the writings of contemporary Asian American women, this feminist theoretical work examines authors like Amy Tan and Gish Jen, highlighting their confrontation with gender asymmetry. The author argues that these writers address various forms of oppression, using satire to critique societal norms. By advocating for a shared understanding among ethnic and women of color feminist critics, the book encourages a focus on commonalities over differences, aiming to unite diverse feminist perspectives.

The book delves into the intersection of ethnicity and gender, highlighting the dual oppression faced by Chicanas in the United States. It examines how contemporary Chicana writers portray their experiences of political, social, and economic marginalization, as well as the additional challenges posed by a patriarchal society. Through analysis of their literary works, the book sheds light on the inequitable power dynamics that shape the lives of these women, emphasizing their struggles and resilience within a male-dominated culture.

The book explores the dual oppression faced by Latinas in the United States, stemming from both their ethnic identity and gender within a patriarchal Latino culture. It examines how cultural mechanisms perpetuate these power dynamics, highlighting the significance of female cultural gatekeepers in the works of contemporary Latina authors. Through this lens, the text delves into the intersection of ethnicity and gender, providing insights into the unique challenges and narratives of Latina women in literature.

"On the Outside Looking In(dian)" analyzes works over the past century translated into or written in English by feminist Indian women writers such as Krupabai Satthianadhan, Rokeya Sakhewat Hossein, Maitreyi Devi, Kamala Das, Anita Desai, Bharati Mukherjee, and others. These writers condemn patriarchal customs and laws for depriving Indian women - of all castes and classes, as well as women of other cultures - of their basic human rights by sanctioning child marriage, "sati," purdah, and the wearing of the "burqa," while prohibiting widow remarriage, the expression of sexuality, and the pursuit of an education to promote self-sufficiency, and equal economic, political, and social status with men.