Feminist Theory at Multiple Levels: Analytical and Critical

Abstract

In the common sense perspective of everyday life it seems obvious that the human species is divided into two distinct sexual categories: male and female. There may be occasional anomalies in which individuals are born with ambiguous physical characteristics, but these are relatively rare. Throughout history people have engaged in endless speculation regarding the differences between men and women and the challenges involved in understanding the puzzling and fascinating conflicts, dilemmas, and ambiguities that often develop in their relations with one another.