Toward a Philosophy of Female Affection
Janice Raymond
overview
Janice Raymond offers a vision of female friendship that is as exhilarating as it is controversial. In this feminist classic, she explores the many manifestations of friendship between women including the ancient Greek hetairai, the sisterhood of mediaeval nuns and the marriage resisters of China. Thousands of women have created their own communities and destinies through friendship. She also examines the contemporary women's movement and its networks and friendships -- as well as the forces operating against friendship between women. A tough and clear-sighted analysis, and a book to read again and again.
contents
Preface p xiii
Introduction p.1
I Origins of Female Friendship: In the Beginning Was Woman p. 31
II Varieties of Female Friendship: The Nun as Loose Woman p. 71
III More Loose Women: The Chinese Marriage Resisters p. 115
IV Obstacles to Female Friendship p. 149
A Vision of Female Friendship: Two-sights Seeing p. 203
Notes p. 243
Index p. 267