Introduction

In the following chapter, a brief critical history of the main tenets of feminist theory relevant to this book will be outlined. This will include an analysis of Anglo-American, French, and Spanish feminism. Each movement will be examined with reference to the political and social climate in which they emerged, the basic tenets shaping each movement and the strengths and weaknesses they possess. An understanding of the development of feminist criticism is essential if one is to appreciate the growth of literature by women in Spain, and thus, the work of Josefina Aldecoa, whose writing captures the reality of womanhood in contemporary Spain.

Before undertaking any discussion of the emergence and general development of feminist literary theory, a number of definitions and issues must be addressed. Terminology is an important, and often contentious, factor in any feminist debate. The very term ‘feminist’ holds many powerful and frequently negative connotations. In order to highlight the complexity of the terms ‘feminist’ and ‘feminism’, the Instituto de la Mujer in Spain carried out a survey in 1987 regarding opinion on the feminist movement. It revealed that forty-four per cent of the women questioned believed the existence of feminist organisations to be positive. Tellingly, however, many of those women preferred not to be described as feminists. This is perhaps indicative of the stereotypical misconception of feminism as an aggressive, anti-male, lesbian-run movement that clearly still prevails.