Feminist Criticism: An Overview

Abstract

Feminist criticism constitutes a theoretical and political approach to literature and culture that examines the representation, construction, and marginalization of women within patriarchal systems. This article provides a comprehensive overview of feminist criticism, tracing its historical evolution through distinct waves of activism and theoretical development. It delineates key figures, foundational texts, and central concepts, from Mary Wollstonecraft’s early arguments for women’s education to Judith Butler’s postmodern theories of gender performativity. The analysis further distinguishes between major schools of thought, notably Anglo-American and French feminist criticism, and explores significant critical concepts such as écriture féminine, the anxiety of authorship, and intersectionality. By synthesizing these diverse strands, the article argues that feminist criticism is not merely an analytical method but a transformative practice committed to exposing gendered power dynamics and advocating for social and intellectual equity.