The news that the government proposes dropping feminism from the syllabus of A-level politics (Bridget Christie, 28 November) is mystifying. How can any political question be adequately discussed without reference to issues of equality with respect to categories of difference such as class, gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, disability? Feminist thinkers have shaped and are shaping our changing notions of key political issues such as the right to female succession, the qualification to vote, and rights to stand for office. UK citizens applauded the news that a first-born princess will be able to succeed to the throne ahead of any younger brother. Great. What is the history of that idea? It is difficult to conceive of any examiner agreeing on the marking criteria for an exam paper that did not require some understanding of notions of gender and their origin in specific feminist texts and debates.
Catherine King
Professor emerita, Open University
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