According to Alison Jagger and Martha Vicinus, in separate interviews, feminism addresses not only the methods and content of literary and philosophical inquiry, but also, in the late 1980s, seeks a restructuring of literature and philosophy as primarily influenced by masculine interests and values.
Vicinus also elaborates on her research for Ever Yours, Florence Nightingale: Selected Letters, which she coedited with Bea Nergaard.
In the second segment [14:00], Jagger discusses the growth and understanding of women’s studies since the early 1970s, the distinctions between philosopher-feminist and feminist-philosopher, and changing concepts of human nature as it becomes more inclusive of feminism.
At the time of this interview, Jagger was professor of philosophy at the University of Cincinnati.
Vicinus, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (2000-2001), was professor of English language and literature at the University of Michigan.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
