# Germaine Greer

> Australian writer and public intellectual (born 1939)

**Wikidata**: [Q103591](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103591)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germaine_Greer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/germaine-greer

## Summary
Germaine Greer is an Australian writer, public intellectual, and feminist activist born on January 29, 1939. She is best known for her influential work *The Female Eunuch* (1970), a seminal text in feminist literature that critiques societal expectations of women and advocates for gender equality. Greer's contributions span multiple fields, including academia, journalism, and screenwriting, solidifying her role as a leading voice in feminist discourse.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 29, 1939, in Melbourne, Australia
- **Nationality**: Australian
- **Education**: 
  - University of Melbourne (BA, 1960; MA, 1962)
  - University of Sydney (PhD, 1967)
  - University of Cambridge (PhD, 1968)
- **Known for**: Authoring *The Female Eunuch* and advocating for women's rights
- **Employer(s)**: 
  - University of Sydney (lecturer)
  - University of Cambridge (fellow at Newnham College)
  - University of Warwick (professor of drama)
- **Field(s)**: Feminism, literature, gender studies, journalism

## Contributions
- **The Female Eunuch** (1970): A groundbreaking feminist text analyzing the social construction of femininity and critiquing patriarchal norms, which became a cornerstone of second-wave feminism.
- **Academic Career**: Taught at the University of Sydney, University of Cambridge, and University of Warwick, contributing to the development of gender studies and feminist theory.
- **Journalism and Media**: Wrote for prominent publications and appeared in media, using her platform to discuss feminist issues and challenge societal norms.
- **Other Works**: Authored books such as *The Obstacle Race: The Fortunes of Women Painters and Their Work* (1979) and *Shakespeare's Wife* (2007), further exploring themes of gender and creativity.

## FAQs
**What is Germaine Greer best known for?**  
Germaine Greer is best known for her seminal feminist work *The Female Eunuch* (1970), which critiques societal expectations of women and advocates for gender equality, making her a leading figure in second-wave feminism.

**Where has Germaine Greer worked?**  
Greer has held academic positions at the University of Sydney, University of Cambridge (as a fellow at Newnham College), and University of Warwick, where she was a professor of drama. She has also worked as a journalist and writer for various publications.

**What are Germaine Greer's notable works beyond *The Female Eunuch*?**  
Beyond her most famous work, Greer authored *The Obstacle Race: The Fortunes of Women Painters and Their Work* (1979), *Shakespeare's Wife* (2007), and numerous essays and articles on feminism, literature, and culture.

**What controversies has Germaine Greer been involved in?**  
Greer has been involved in several controversies, including debates over transgender rights and criticisms of her views on feminism. Her outspoken nature has led to both acclaim and criticism throughout her career.

## Why They Matter
Germaine Greer's work has profoundly influenced feminist discourse and gender studies, challenging societal norms and advocating for women's liberation. Her book *The Female Eunuch* remains a foundational text in feminist literature, shaping generations of activists and scholars. Without Greer's contributions, the trajectory of second-wave feminism and contemporary discussions on gender equality would be markedly different. Her influence extends beyond academia, permeating popular culture and media, ensuring her ideas remain relevant in ongoing debates about gender roles and identity.

## Notable For
- Authoring *The Female Eunuch* (1970), a landmark feminist text
- Being a prominent figure in second-wave feminism
- Holding academic positions at prestigious universities, including the University of Cambridge and University of Warwick
- Receiving recognition such as the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and Australian National Living Treasure
- Engaging in public intellectual debates on feminism, transgender rights, and cultural issues
- Writing extensively across genres, including literary criticism, biographies, and essays

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Germaine Greer was born on January 29, 1939, in Melbourne, Australia. She pursued higher education at the University of Melbourne, earning a BA (1960) and MA (1962). She later obtained a PhD from the University of Sydney (1967) and another PhD from the University of Cambridge (1968), where she studied Shakespearean drama.

### Academic Career
Greer began her academic career as a lecturer at the University of Sydney. She later became a fellow at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, and a professor of drama at the University of Warwick. Her academic work focused on literature and gender studies, contributing to the development of feminist theory within academia.

### Literary and Feminist Contributions
Greer's most significant contribution is *The Female Eunuch* (1970), which critiques the societal constraints placed on women and argues for their liberation from patriarchal norms. The book's impact was immediate, sparking widespread debate and establishing Greer as a leading voice in feminist discourse. She continued to write influential works, including *The Obstacle Race* (1979), which examines the challenges faced by women artists, and *Shakespeare's Wife* (2007), a biographical exploration of Anne Hathaway.

### Public Intellectual and Media Presence
Beyond academia, Greer has been an active public intellectual, engaging in media debates and writing for various publications. Her outspoken views on feminism, transgender rights, and cultural issues have kept her at the forefront of public discourse, though they have also led to controversies. She has appeared in television programs and documentaries, using these platforms to discuss gender equality and challenge societal norms.

### Awards and Recognition
Greer has been recognized for her contributions, including being named to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and designated an Australian National Living Treasure. She has also received honorary doctorates, such as from the University of Sydney, acknowledging her intellectual and societal impact.

### Controversies and Criticisms
Throughout her career, Greer has faced criticism for her views on transgender rights and her critiques of modern feminism. Her controversial opinions have led to both support and backlash, reflecting the polarizing nature of her work. Despite these controversies, her foundational contributions to feminist theory remain widely acknowledged.

### Legacy and Influence
Germaine Greer's legacy is defined by her role in shaping feminist discourse and challenging patriarchal structures. Her work has influenced generations of scholars, activists, and writers, ensuring her ideas remain central to discussions on gender equality. The enduring relevance of *The Female Eunuch* and her continued public engagement underscore her lasting impact on both academic and popular culture.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/books/in-white-beech-germaine-greer-takes-an-ecological-journey.html)
2. [Source](http://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/oct/05/highereducation.gender)
3. [Source](http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/does-the-female-ennuch-still-have-balls-1915660.html)
4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/18/world/europe/18britain.html?ref=world)
5. [Source](http://www.spokeo.com/Germaine+Greer+1)
6. BnF authorities
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Genealogics
9. Germaine Greer sued. The Times. 1973
10. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/20/arts/television/20gree.html)
11. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
12. Czech National Authority Database
13. [Greer shrugs off assault. BBC News](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/728694.stm)
14. [Germaine Greer The Disappearing Woman - Outer London](http://www.whatsonstage.com/outer-london-theatre/shows/germaine-greer-the-disappearing-woman_13906/)
15. [RIP: Yale Professor Emeritus Rowan Greer dies at 79. 2014](http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/03/24/rip-yale-professor-emeritus-rowan-greer-dies-at-79/)
16. [Germaine Greer - The Disappearing Woman - Falmouth](http://www.whatsonstage.com/falmouth-theatre/shows/germaine-greer-the-disappearing-woman_49753/)
17. [Germaine Greer Reveals Sexy Fling With Fellini](http://www.pedestrian.tv/news/entertainment/germaine-greer-reveals-sexy-fling-with-fellini/12674.htm)
18. [Social & Historical Context for Top Girls. 2008](https://aggsliterature.wordpress.com/social-historical-context-for-top-girls/)
19. [Picture of Germaine Greer](http://www.listal.com/viewimage/1272224)
20. [Germaine Greer Address](http://www.fanmail.biz/2990.html)
21. [Source](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08164649.2016.1175043?src=recsys&journalCode=cafs20)
22. [Dr Germaine Greer. 2022](https://www.vic.gov.au/dr-germaine-greer)
23. [Greer, Germaine - Royal Society of Literature. 2023](https://rsliterature.org/fellows/germaine-greer/)
24. International Standard Name Identifier
25. Virtual International Authority File
26. CiNii Research
27. MusicBrainz
28. [Index cards — Germaine Greer](https://find.slv.vic.gov.au/permalink/61SLV_INST/1sev8ar/alma9916351273607636)
29. [Christine Wallace research papers relating to biography of Germaine Greer](https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/9qopwwO1)
30. IMDb
31. [Source](https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/social-sciences-and-law/social-reformers/germaine-greer)
32. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
33. [Source](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL3943228M/The_female_eunuch)
34. [Source](http://catalogo.pusc.it/cgi-bin/koha/opac-authoritiesdetail.pl?authid=33737)
35. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12058292f)
36. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Germaine-Greer)
37. [Source](http://vocab.getty.edu/ulan/500255077)
38. Autoritats UB
39. BBC Things
40. [LIBRIS. 2018](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/rp3558w93vkt3ss)
41. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Germaine_Greer-4X9A4Z)
42. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/germaine-greer-107a99rXQQ/appearances)
43. The Movie Database
44. Catalogo of the National Library of India