Conceptualizing sexual harassment as discursive practice /

These ten original essays by feminist communication scholars make a major contribution to the literature on sexual harassment and at the same time model the discursive, conversational approach they tout: authors refer to one another's essays throughout, and concluding essays provide critical reflections on the work as a whole. Although the title of the book and indeed the titles of most of the essays seem almost a parody of turgid academic discourse, the essays themselves are exceptionally well argued, scrupulously researched, and provocative. Each essay subscribes to the general premises that discourse is fundamentally ideological and that it creates our social realities. Discourse examined ranges from the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas hearings to working women's storytelling strategies in response to sexual harassment. Each essay provides clear, concise explication of the often complex theoretical frameworks employed, thereby ensuring access for the uninitiated without penalizing the more advanced reader. The bibliography is outstandingly comprehensive and current. Highly recommended for researchers in gender communication issues, graduate and advanced undergraduate collections. T. Gleeson; Neumann College