Description
Book SynopsisIn Reinventing the Culture of Womanhood in America and Brazil, an Anthropological Perspective, Alex Westfried examines the heroic struggle of Brazilian women to restore justice, bring a democratic society, and gain virtually total independence, economically, socially, sexually, and spiritually, to their society. The culture of Brazil and recent developments provide Brazilian middle class women with advantages that American women have still not obtained. Using case studies of Brazilian women, Westfried gives, in full detail, the process of liberation, and the Epilogue develops conceptual icons that compare American and Brazilian culture. This work is integrated with historical events, changes in the family in a postmodern society, changes in women''s sexuality, and changes in women''s identity. This study is significant as it gives us models for the 21st century and for American women to complete their struggle for equality.
Trade ReviewAt a time when women's issues and the role of women in family life are being discussed in the Middle East and around the globe [this work] brings to the fore these issues in the most populous country of Latin America, Brazil. Through a series of interviews of women at different cross roads of life and society a pattern of women who are standing tall and is cognizant of who she is and what role she will have in Brazil in the twenty-first century. A paralell is drawn between the struggles of women in the north (the United States) and in the south (Brazil). Written in relaxed conversational style, this timely book offers many insights into women's issues and is fo interest to all adult readers. -- Professor John Patrick Dever
The major strengths are its subject matter, the enthusiasm of the author, his personal as well as book knowledge... and the interview materials. The conclusion that Brazilian women have something to say to northern feminists about goals and strategies is one I agree with and find great strength in. -- Professor Jane Jaquette
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Acknowledgements Chapter 3 Introduction-Part I and Research Design Chapter 4 Innovative Middle Class Women: Their Significance in the Brazilian Context; Gender, Work, and Family-USA and Brazil Compared; Two Life Histories: Dolores and Anna Maria; Innovative American Middle Class Women and their Families Chapter 5 Departure from Tradition in Brazil: Two Life Histories: Sonia and Lucia; The Feminine and Feminist Movements; Two Emancipated Brazilian Women: Elizabeth and Conceição Chapter 6 A Map of Brazilian Culture: A Theory of Innovative and Emancipated Women; What is Sacred in Brazilian Society; Ambiguity and Diversity in Brazilian Culture Chapter 7 Transition to Democracy-A Comparative View: Military Excesses and Abuses to the Awakening of Democracy in Brazilian Society; Democracy in Terms of Male/Female Relationships; Democracy-Parents vs. Adolescents, A Comparative View; Modernity-Democracy Chapter 8 The Role of Women and Religion in Advocating and Implementing Social Change in Brazil: Ecclesiastic Base Communities and CEB; The Assembly of God; The Umbanda; Urban Slum Settlements; Reform, Recife against Prostitution; Glossary Chapter 9 The Search for the Unique Self in a Postmodern Society in Brazil: The Meaning of a Postmodern Society and its Impact on Women's Lives; The Lives of Six Innovative Women to Illustrate a Wide Variety of Styles of Personal Emancipation in a Rapidly Cha Chapter 10 Epilogue-Part II Cultural Icons of Independent Middle Class Women in Brazil and the United States: A Comparison: Introduction-Part II; Cultural Icons for Brazil; Cultural Icons for the United States; Zones of Indifference Chapter 11 Conclusion: An Ecological View; What American Women can Learn from the Brazilian Experience in their Journey to Independence Chapter 12 Appendix: Summary of Theories Used in Interviews; Economic Landscape of Brazil; Participation of Innovative Women in Politics: the Application of Direct Democracy Chapter 13 Select Bibliography on Innovative Brazilian and American Women
