Faculty Publications

Feminist Thought and Mimetic Theory: Insights and Challenges in the Work of René Girard

Document Type

Article

Keywords

corporeal hermeneutics, feminist theory, identity politics, intimate mediation, scapegoat, victimization, victimology

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Logos (Russian Federation)

Volume

34

Issue

3

First Page

51

Last Page

77

Abstract

Identifying key features in feminist theory over four decades that still inform feminist thought today, Reineke argues that René Girard’s mimetic theory offers a compelling intervention in “identity politics”, a concept which some feminist theorists have employed to analyze inequalities. So also does it shed light on escalating rivalries among groups with similar interests, as exemplified in recent rivalries among feminist scholars and advocates. In turn, feminist theory can contribute to mimetic theory. Mimetic theory has neglected the central role of sensory experience in human life, whether as a vehicle of trauma and suffering or healing and transformative agency. Mimetic theory will be enhanced when Girardian scholars locate the impetus for a change from violent mimesis to intimate mediation in sensory experience, reclaiming for mimetic theory a perspective on sensory experience that feminist theory has illuminated.

Department

Department of Philosophy and World Religions

Original Publication Date

1-1-2024

DOI of published version

10.17323/0869-5377-2024-3-51-77

Language

ru

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