"The book is innovative in two ways: first in its structure and its attempt to be open in terms of debate, and second in its precise focus on femininities. Both of these are very appealing and I think do something that no other book I know of has attempted." Professor Doreen Massey, The Open University Geographies of New Femininities examines the emergence of contemporary constructions of femininity in a global context. It asks whether these femininities are new and suggests that current celebrations of diversity in the lived experience and performance of women's identities are largely Euro-centric. Through four in-depth case studies Geographies of New Femininities illustrates how constructions of femininities across the world reflect gender inequalities embedded within global/local geographies of social and economic change. The analysis brings together key themes in geography and feminist studies, showing how globalisation and the fracturing of identities are influencing research on gender. Throughout the book the authors explore spaces of opportunity and oppression for women and highlight the geographies associated with the negotiation of gender identities. Geographies of New Femininities moves between empirical and theoretical debate using first hand accounts to work through methodological issues relating to gender and geography.

It is deliberately written in an accessible style to encourage students to engage with up-to-date research on gender. Nina, Laurie, Claire Dwyer, Sarah Holloway and Fiona Smith are all members of the Women in Geography Study Group. They lecture in Human Geography at Newcastle University, University College London, Loughborough University and the University of Dundee respectively.