Feminist Theory in the Thematic Issues of the Journals Marxism in the World (1981) and Republic (1983)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/GEI2602119P UDC: 141.72::050(497.1)"198" Original research paper

Abstract

The paper analyzes the thematic issues of Marksizam u svetu (Marxism in the World) (8/9, 1981) and Republika (Republic) (11/12, 1983), highlighting their specific positions and complementary roles in the engagement with Western feminist theory within the Yugoslav context, marked by tensions between feminism and state socialism. The paper highlights the significance of periodicals as a platform for subversive feminist discussions at the time of their emergence, noting the position of these journals within a legitimized theoretical and political framework. The issue of Marxism in the World consolidates the efforts to articulate women’s struggle as distinct within social transformation. By presenting Women’s Studies – through translations – as a theoretically rigorous interdisciplinary field non-opposed to Marxist analysis, the question regarding the legitimacy and necessity for the expansion of the “women’s question” beyond this analysis is mainly concluded. The feminist theoretical platform consolidated in Marxism in the World will emerge as a reference point for feminist literary intervention in Republic. Pioneering in its engagement with écriture féminine, the Republic issue illuminates the significance of this concept alongside critical distance, politics of resistance, and semantic instability in its reception.

Keywords: Marxism in the World, Republic, feminist theory, periodicals, Women’s Studies, écriture féminine