Dow (1995), "Feminism, Difference(s), and Rhetorical Studies"

Feminist rhetoric uses feminist theory to celebrate women's contributions to public discourses and to critique the ways these contributions are marginalized. Dow (1995) is concerned with the way theories of difference(s) have been used in discussions of feminist rhetoric.

1. Difference has been used to essentialize women's rhetoric.

Dow (1995) argues that women face a similar set of circumstances that result in a similar rhetorical style. This is importantly different from the idea that women's rhetorical style comes from biological, essential differences between men and women. The latter characterization has appeared in discussions of feminist rhetoric.

2. We have neglected to discuss differences between women.

Dow (1995) criticizes theories of difference(s) for failing to acknowledge differences between women. She notes that feminist rhetorical theory has largely conceptualized "woman" as white, middle-class, and heterosexual. She argues that feminist rhetorical theory should work to fix this problem.