Introduction: Making Gender Matter: Drug-Using Women, Embodiment, and the Epistemologies of Ignorance

Abstract

This book brings to bear the ideas of feminist sociology of knowledge, situated knowledge and ignorance, and standpoint epistemologies (Figueroa and Harding, 2003; Haraway, 1988; Harding, 1991, 1998, 2006, 2008; Hartsock, 1984; Smith, 1990) upon a basic injustice that has grave consequences for the human rights of drug-using women. Despite concerted efforts since the 1970s, most women who need drug treatment in the US and UK still do not get it — because it is delivered in ways they cannot take up. This book is about ongoing attempts to meet a basic need that has not been met. Why not?