Feminist Thought

This section contains material representing the evolution and practice of feminist thought. Feminist thought during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s was rapidly evolving and encompassed a wide range of theories, perspectives, and movements. Items reflect the breadth and growth of feminist approaches to understanding, challenging, and dismantling the oppression of women and all oppressed groups. Some materials address the intersection between women’s inequality and other forms of oppression.

More about Feminist Thought

Key themes include:

  • Theories about the social and economic structures that underpin women’s oppression, including analyses of the relationship between patriarchy and capitalism
  • Strategic perspectives on the struggle for systemic change
  • Intersection of sexism, racism, homophobia, class, and other oppressive power formations
  • Organizing to address women’s inequality within left-wing and other radical social justice movements

Sub-Issues

Early Feminist Docs
Revolutionary Left
Socialist Feminism
Radical Feminism

Archival Materials

Buttons
BIOLOGY is not DESTINY

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
This undated button in support of the Matriarchy features a double-bladed battle axe (labrys) associated with ancient matriarchal societies, such as the Amazons.
Matriarchy Matriarchy

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
The clenched, raised fist combined with a Venus symbol represents Feminism. It is an iconic symbol of the women's liberation movement.
Pink Venus and Fist

  • Year created:

    --

  • Language:

    English
A button with the iconic symbol of the women's liberation movement
Women’s Liberation

  • Year created:

    --

  • Language:

    English
Button calling on women to organize for change.
Women- Don’t Agonize, ORGANIZE

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English

Documents

thumbnail of AlbertaStatusofWomenActionCommittee-1983-AnnualAssemblyBooklet
Alberta Status of Women Action Committee 1983 Annual Assembly Booklet

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Alberta

  • Language:

    English
DAWN Open Letter to Women’s Movements – 1986

  • Year created:

    1986

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Politics in Women’s Liberation: is it necessary?

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Author(s):

    Anne Roberts

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    English
The Liberation Workshop on Women and Revolution

  • Year created:

    1973

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
The Pink Papers: Government Funding and Government Control in the Women’s Movement

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Women Working with Immigrant Women: Paper on International Women’s Day

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
“You Are Not One of Us” – The Roots of My Militant Feminism

  • Year created:

    1987

  • Author(s):

    Laura Sabia

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English

Films

Listening for Something… Adrienne Rich and Dionne Brand in Conversation

  • Year created:

    1995

  • Filmmaker(s):

    Dionne Brand

  • Language:

    English

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

Photos
Interview with Léa Roback: 3rd International Feminist Book Fair (1988)

  • Year created:

    1988

  • Photographer:

    Judith Lermer Crawley

  • Region:

    Quebec