Abstract

This thesis has focussed on the ideas of Emma Goldman as they relate to the centrality of sexuality and reproduction within her anarchist theory. Employing a social constructionist methodology it provides an analysis of Goldman's ideas on sexuality and reproduction, in light of contemporary feminist theories and the so-called "sex debates" of second-wave feminism. Specifically, Goldman's view of sexuality has been given a critical reading in light of the current feminist "sex debates" involving positions advocating the inherent dangers of sexuality versus those which argue on behalf of sexuality's inherent pleasures and possibilities for self-expansion. The interpretation of Goldman's views on sexuality and reproduction has been grounded in feminist theory--theories, for example, on women's difference versus women's equality. ;Chapter 1 illuminated the theoretical or philosophical foundations of Goldman's conception of anarchy which, due to the inclusion of sexuality and reproduction, constituted a major contribution to anarchist theory. ;Chapter 2 dealt with Goldman's construction of "instinct" as it relates to women's so-called sexual and reproductive "nature," situating Goldman's views on women's "nature" and "placement" in the context of feminist theory related to the nature/culture dichotomy and its corollaries. ;Chapter 3 grounded Goldman's construction of sexuality and reproduction, its proper placement, and its emancipatory potential in the social and historical context of Goldman's day. ;Chapter 4 dealt with various theoretical positions on sexuality and reproduction in an attempt to classify those of Goldman. ;In Chapter 5 the influences of the early twentieth-century "sexologists," which mediated the construction of Goldman's ideas on sexuality and reproduction were examined. ;Chapter 6 focussed on Goldman's construction of women's same-sex relationships in light of her larger views on emancipation and feminism. ;The concluding chapter dealt with the relevance of Goldman ideas on sexuality and reproduction to contemporary feminist thought concerning the link between sexual liberation and women's liberation