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how feminist theory differs from using the accepted categories of traditional disciplines to explore the position of Despite this, The Rights and Wrongs of Women is a strong book, because of its sense of feminism as a tradition. This is shown most clearly in the essay which gives the collection its name: *The Rights and Wrongs of Women: Mary Wollestonecraft, Harriet Martineau and Simone de Beauvoir'. Margaret Walters looks at the dilemmas which faced these three women, who tried to reconcile the contradiction between the ideal of femininity and the actuality of women's lives. Through analysing not only their writings, but also the way they tried to live out their convictions, she succeeds in making their problems real and relevant to us. I also liked the essays by the two editors: Ann Oakley on medical practice and Juliet Mitchell on the concept of equality. There is a lot to recommend this book. Next time you head for the shelves labelled feminismless few and far between now - make sure you buy a copy.
KAREN MARGOLIS Scarlet Women is a newsletter which grew out of the discussion at the "Women and Socialism' Workshop at the Newcastle Women's Liberation Conference. It aims to provide forum for developing a specific a socialist-feminist analysis; it also publicises and coordinates activities organised in the regions. It is linked with the nationwide socialist feminist network also established at Newcastle to help communication between sisters involved in different women's movement activities and campaigns.
So far, two issues of Scarlet Women have been produced by the Coast Women's Group based in North Shields. They both contain very useful information and interesting articles. No 1 has an account of the Coast Women's Group activities and the problems they face; No 2 includes articles on the Women and Science Collective, the Newcastle Regional Women and Socialism meeting, and a list of regional coordinators.
The next issue of Scarlet Women is planned for December/January, and contributions, local news or suggesttions are welcomed. The Coast Group has been paying for production and postage out of its own funds, so it needs donations and help with postage costs.
To obtain back numbers of Scarlet Women, put your name/group on its mailing list, or send articles or donations, write to:
Irene Conkey, Coast Women's Group, 5 Washington Terrace, North Shields, Tyne and Wear.
Please remember to enclose an sae, or send money to cover postage costs.