LE3 .A278 1996

1996

Pyrcz, Greg

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Political Science

Politics

This thesis explores the thought of Herbert Marcuse and it relates aspects of this thought to contemporary feminism. It identifies Marcuse's Freudianism in order to explicate Marcuse's notion of domination and the "new sensibility". The thesis situates this exploration in the context of current technological developments. These notions of domination and the "new sensibility" are examined directly in chapter two, but are, as well, to be found throughout the thesis. Chapter three examines Marcuse's concept of the counterrevolution and shows how it is relevant to the various stages of the women's movement. Chapter four examines some of the changes that have taken place within feminism and discusses the shortcomings of identity politics. Chapter five examines how Marcuse's theory has been criticised by "object relations" theorist Nancy Chodorow. The sixth chapter relates Marcuse's work to the feminist theory of Julia Kristeva, illustrating their similarities. The thesis concludes that in order for the women's movement to remain vital, it should engage in identity politics only as a political means with the ultimate goal being to completely transform society. Identity politics for its own sake is, in Marcuse's language, counterrevolutionary.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2869