Nomadic Subjects: Embodiment and Sexual Difference in Contemporary Feminist Theory

by Rosi Braidotti

Overview

For more than fifteen years, Nomadic Subjects has guided discourse in continental philosophy and feminist theory, exploring the constitution of contemporary subjectivity, especially the concept of difference within European philosophy and political theory. Rosi Braidotti's creative style vividly renders a productive crisis of modernity. From a feminist perspective, she recasts embodiment, sexual difference, and complex concepts through relations to technology, historical events, and popular culture.

This thoroughly revised and expanded edition retains all but two of Braidotti's original essays, including her investigations into epistemology's relation to the "woman question;" feminism and biomedical ethics; European feminism; and the possible relations between American feminism and European politics and philosophy. A new piece integrates Deleuze and Guattari's concept of the "becoming-minoritarian" more deeply into modern democratic thought, and a chapter on methodology explains Braidotti's methods while engaging with her critics. A new introduction muses on Braidotti's provocative legacy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231153898
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	05/24/2011
Series:	Gender and Culture Series
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Rosi Braidotti was born in Italy, raised in Australia, graduated from the Sorbonne in Paris, and became the founding professor of the women's studies program in Utrecht. She is Distinguished University Professor at Utrecht University and founding director of its Centre for the Humanities.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. By Way of Nomadism
2. Context and Generations
3. Sexual Difference Theory
4. On the Female Feminist Subject: From "She-Self" to "She-Other"
5. Sexual Difference as a Nomadic Political Project
6. Organs Without Bodies
7. Images Without Imagination
8. Mothers, Monsters, and Machines
9. Discontinuous Becomings: Deleuze and the Becoming-Woman of Philosophy
10. Envy and Ingratitude: Men in Feminism
11. Conclusion: Geometries of Passion—a Conversation
Bibliography
Index

Preface

The nomadic subject is a myth, that is to say a political fiction, that allows [you] to think through and move across established categories and levels of experience: blurring boundaries without burning bridges. Implicit in [the choice of this figuration] is the belief in the potency and relevance of the imagination, of myth-making, as a way to step out of the political and intellectual stasis of these post-modern times. Political fictions may be more effective, here and now, than theoretical systems.

Editorial Reviews

This second edition reestablishes Braidotti as one of the most vibrant and important thinkers in poststructuralist feminism and adds to the first edition's key essays a selection of more recent work, concluding with an in-depth interview that clearly and frankly relates Braidotti's perspective to other positions in feminism, queer theory, and identity politics.

This book exceeds the hyperboles one wants to draw upon to describe great books. By its title alone, Nomadic Subjects promises to avoid the clichés, oppositions, and warring political divides that have come to mark theory. Critical of the glibness of the present yet avoiding easy nostalgia or utopianism, Braidotti's work signals a new style adequate for twenty-first century horizons. Hers is a nomadic theory, refusing to be anchored in any camp or tradition yet a remarkable affirmation of the subject, even if that subject bears none of the usual (and now rather tiresome) attributes of self-possession, self-reflection, and self-consciousness. For anyone who feels somewhat jaded or beleaguered by theory, this book is a tonic, sounding the tone of the future.

From the Publisher

The second edition of Nomadic Subjects by Rosi Braidotti rightly proves that this book's legacy is well and alive after 15 years of its first publication... An essential read... Beautifully written... Her book in general is full of inspiration for change and a provocative call for feminism to move forward.

Foucault Studies - Mujde Kliem

For all of those seeking a positive turn building on the powerful critique that so influenced the academy in recent decades, Rosi Braidotti offers an understanding of philosophy—of thinking—that she views as crucial to creative production. At a time when intellectual discourse is becoming increasingly disciplinary, Braidotti opens a path for broad discussion and debate.

Elizabeth Weed

This book exceeds the hyperboles one wants to draw upon to describe great books. By its title alone, Braidotti's Nomadic Subjects promises to avoid the cliches, oppositions and warring political divides that have come to mark theory. At once critical of the glibness of the present, yet avoiding easy nostalgia or utopianism while remaining active Braidotti's work signals a new style adequate for twenty-first century horizons. Hers is a nomadic theory, refusing to be anchored in any camp or tradition, and yet also a remarkable affirmation of the subject, even if that subject bears none of the usual (and now rather tiresome) attributes of self-possession, self-reflection and self-consciousness. For anyone who feels somewhat jaded or beleaguered by theory - and who wouldn't? - this book is a tonic, sounding the tone of the future.

Claire Colebrook

Rosi Braidotti's Nomadic Subjects has made a substantial contribution to the fields of continental philosophy and feminist theory, and her conceptual analysis is more relevant now than ever. Written in Braidotti's inimitable style, this second edition lays out the conceptual foundations that her later writing puts to work.

Amy Allen

Nomadic Subjects inspires renewed feminist commitment to the movements that are redefining gender and its meaning for both men and women in all levels of culture.

Feminist Teacher - Phyllis Kaminski

[Braodotti's] lively writing is a wonderful blend of the person and academic.... This book belongs in every library that serves graduate students and faculty in women's studies and philosophy.

Choice

Nomadic Subjects inspires renewed feminist commitment to the movements that are redefining gender and its meaning for both men and women in all levels of culture.

— Phyllis Kaminski

Feminist Teacher