Shohat (2001), "Area Studies, Transnationalism, and the Feminist Production of Knowledge"

1. Shohat (2001) argues that forms of domination should be examined in larger historical and political contexts. Therefore, area studies (like "Middle Eastern Studies") are problematic, because they isolate and homogenize groups.

2. Western feminists tend to frame "third world" women stereotypically and without agency. These discussions often take place outside of a discussion of "feminism," which means that "third world" women are not imagined to be part of feminist movements.

3. Sponge/additive approach
Western feminist concepts are extended onto other parts of the world (additive). Their lives are homogenized and absorbed into a master feminist narrative (sponge).