Faux Feminism

“Well researched compellingly written, and passionately argued … a fascinating and informative read.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Faux Feminism is an incisive and compelling book that gets to the heart of the issue. Khader has made a crucial contribution toward showing the path forward for feminists. The clarity and poise of her writing further make Faux Feminism an essential and marvelous read.”
—Rafia Zakaria, author of Against White Feminism: Notes on Disruption

“Serene Khader argues that feminism has been associated with the concept of freedom. At first, this may not seem problematic. In the Western world, freedom is highly valued and has been the driving force behind independence movements in many nations, as well as the foundation of liberal policies. However, Khader believes that this emphasis on freedom has led to a superficial form of feminism that benefits only a few, often at the expense of the many. Khader provides insightful analysis and compelling examples to help readers challenge the myths that uphold the status quo and critically examine ideas that may be holding us back, even if they are culturally ingrained and ideologically seductive. Ultimately, Khader encourages us to rethink our understanding of feminism and strive for a version that benefits everyone. Thought-provoking and instructive, Faux Feminism is a book to struggle with and use in the struggle.”
—Myisha Cherry, author of Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better

“Brave, brilliant, and bracing, Serene Khader’s Faux Feminism is a vital, timely book for anyone who wants to become attuned to misogynistic and racist ideas in feminist garb—or the way feminists ourselves can perpetuate these harms under the aegis of certain long-standing, deeply held myths that dog the movement. In excavating these ideas forensically and patiently, Khader has given us a must-read for anyone with a conscience in our times, striving to do—and think—better.”
—Kate Manne, author of Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women

“An engaging, smart, and persuasive exploration of ‘faux feminism’ and its dangers… . Faux Feminism is a page-turner—timely, beautifully argued, and important reading in an era of misinformation, consumer capitalism, and right-wing populism.”
—Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity

Serene Khader is a professor of philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center and the Jay Newman Chair in Philosophy of Culture at Brooklyn College. Her latest book, Faux Feminism, won the North American Society for Social Philosophy’s 2025 Best Book Award. Also the author of Decolonizing Universalism- A Transnational Feminist Ethic, Khader’s work on global women’s issues has been published in outlets such as the New York Times. She lives in Brooklyn with her spouse and two children.

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