“A crucial contribution toward showing the path forward for feminists…an essential and marvelous read.”

Rafia Zakaria, author of Against White Feminism

“A page turner—timely, beautifully argued, and important reading in an era of misinformation, consumer capitalism, and rightwing populism.”

Chandra Talpade Mohanty, author of Feminism Without Borders

Pre-order Faux Feminism

Orders placed by October 29 will receive a signed copy and exclusive bookmark from Greenlight books.

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An incisive examination of how the pillars of feminism have eroded—and how all women, not just the girlbosses, can rebuild them

In Faux Feminism, political philosopher Serene Khader advocates for another feminism—one that doesn’t overwhelmingly serve white, affluent #girlbosses.

A feminist mythbuster, Khader begins by deconstructing “faux feminisms” grounded in the ideal of individual freedom. Thought to be the pillars of good feminism, they appeal to many, but, in truth, leave most women behind.

With empathy, passion, and wit, Khader invites the reader to join her as she excavates the movement’s history and draws on the ideas of women of color and women in the global South to imagine a blueprint for a more inclusive and resilient future.

“Khader provides insightful analysis and compelling examples to help readers challenge the myths that uphold the status quo and critically examine ideas that may be holding us back, even if they are culturally ingrained and ideologically seductive. …Thought-provoking and instructive, Faux Feminism is a book to struggle with and use in the struggle.”

Myisha Cherry, author of The Case for Rage

“Brave, brilliant, and bracing, Serene Khader's Faux Feminism is a vital, timely book for anyone who wants to become attuned to misogynistic and racist ideas in feminist garb—or the way feminists ourselves can perpetuate these harms under the aegis of certain longstanding, deeply held myths that dog the movement. In excavating these ideas forensically and patiently, Khader has given us a must-read for anyone with a conscience in our times, striving to do—and think—better.”

Kate Manne, author of Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women

Serene Khader is a writer, political philosopher, and feminist theorist. She is the author of Decolonizing Universalism: A Transnational Feminist Ethic and Adaptive Preferences and Adaptive Preferences and Women's Empowerment.

She is a professor of philosophy at the City University of New York and lives in Brooklyn with her spouse and two young children.

Book Tour

Brooklyn, NY
Greenlight Books
Weds. Nov. 6, 7PM


Cambridge, MA
Porter Square Books
Thurs. Nov. 7, 7PM


Washington, DC
Politics and Prose
in conversation with Anushay Hossain
Mon. Nov. 18, 7PM

Brookline, MA
Brookline Booksmith
in conversation with Carol Hay
Tues. Nov. 19


Chicago, IL
Seminary Co-Op Bookstore
Thurs. Dec. 12