# Kate Millett

> American writer, educator, artist, and activist (1934–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q292268](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q292268)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Millett)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kate-millett

## Summary
Kate Millett (1934–2017) was an American writer, educator, artist, and feminist activist best known for her groundbreaking work *Sexual Politics* (1970), which became a foundational text in second-wave feminism. A prominent public intellectual, she critiqued patriarchal structures in literature and society, influencing feminist theory and activism globally.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 14, 1934
- **Died**: September 6, 2017
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**:
  - St. Hilda's College, University of Oxford (PhD in English)
  - Columbia University (BA, MA)
  - University of Minnesota (attended)
  - Bryn Mawr College (attended)
  - Barnard College (attended)
- **Known for**: Feminist theory, activism, and literary criticism, particularly *Sexual Politics*
- **Employer(s)**:
  - University of California, Berkeley
  - Duke University
  - Waseda University (Japan)
  - Bryn Mawr College
  - Barnard College
- **Field(s)**: Feminist theory, literature, activism, visual arts

## Contributions
Kate Millett's most influential work, *Sexual Politics* (1970), analyzed power dynamics in literature and society, exposing patriarchal norms in works by authors like D.H. Lawrence and Henry Miller. The book became a cornerstone of feminist scholarship and activism, shaping second-wave feminism.

She was a key figure in radical feminist groups, including New York Radical Women, and contributed to the National Organization for Women (NOW). Her later works, such as *Flying* (1974) and *Sita* (1977), blended memoir and feminist critique.

Millett also worked as a sculptor and filmmaker, creating art that explored gender and power. Her activism extended to civil rights, joining the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).

## FAQs
**What is Kate Millett best known for?**
Kate Millett is best known for *Sexual Politics* (1970), a seminal feminist critique of patriarchal structures in literature and society, which became a defining text of second-wave feminism.

**Where did Kate Millett study?**
She earned her PhD from St. Hilda's College, University of Oxford, and held degrees from Columbia University. She also attended Bryn Mawr College, Barnard College, and the University of Minnesota.

**What organizations was Kate Millett affiliated with?**
Millett was involved with New York Radical Women, the National Organization for Women (NOW), and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Kappa Alpha Theta.

**What fields did Kate Millett work in?**
Beyond feminist theory, she worked in literature, activism, sculpture, and filmmaking, often merging artistic and political expression.

**What awards did Kate Millett receive?**
She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1969) and received honors for her contributions to feminist thought and activism.

## Why They Matter
Kate Millett's *Sexual Politics* redefined feminist discourse by applying political analysis to gender relations, influencing generations of scholars and activists. Her work bridged academia and activism, making feminist theory accessible and actionable. By critiquing patriarchal norms in literature, she exposed systemic biases that shaped cultural narratives. Her interdisciplinary approach—spanning writing, art, and activism—expanded the boundaries of feminist expression, inspiring movements for gender equity worldwide.

## Notable For
- Authoring *Sexual Politics* (1970), a foundational feminist text
- Pioneering feminist literary criticism
- Membership in New York Radical Women and NOW
- Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame
- Contributions to radical feminism and civil rights activism
- Work as a sculptor and filmmaker exploring gender themes
- Affiliation with prestigious institutions (Oxford, Columbia, Duke)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Kate Millett was born on September 14, 1934, in the United States. She pursued higher education at multiple institutions, including Bryn Mawr College, Barnard College, and the University of Minnesota, before earning her BA and MA from Columbia University. She later completed her PhD at St. Hilda's College, University of Oxford, specializing in English literature.

### Career and Activism
Millett taught at universities including Duke, Waseda (Japan), and the University of California, Berkeley. Her academic work intersected with activism, particularly in feminist and civil rights movements. She was a member of New York Radical Women and the National Organization for Women (NOW), advocating for gender equality and social justice.

### *Sexual Politics* and Feminist Theory
Her 1970 book *Sexual Politics* analyzed patriarchal structures in literature, critiquing authors like D.H. Lawrence and Henry Miller. The work became a cornerstone of second-wave feminism, influencing both scholarly and activist circles. Millett's theory framed gender relations as political, challenging traditional power dynamics.

### Later Works and Artistic Contributions
Beyond *Sexual Politics*, Millett wrote *Flying* (1974) and *Sita* (1977), blending memoir with feminist critique. She also worked as a sculptor and filmmaker, using art to explore themes of gender and power. Her interdisciplinary approach expanded feminist discourse beyond academia.

### Legacy and Recognition
Millett was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1969, recognizing her impact on feminist thought. Her work remains influential in gender studies, activism, and cultural criticism. She died on September 6, 2017, leaving a lasting legacy in feminist theory and practice.

### Affiliations and Memberships
- **Educational Institutions**: St. Hilda's College (Oxford), Columbia University, Duke University, Waseda University
- **Activist Groups**: New York Radical Women, National Organization for Women (NOW), Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)
- **Honor Societies**: Phi Beta Kappa, Kappa Alpha Theta

### Key Publications
- *Sexual Politics* (1970)
- *Flying* (1974)
- *Sita* (1977)

### Awards and Honors
- National Women's Hall of Fame inductee (1969)
- Recognized for contributions to feminist theory and activism

### Influence on Feminism
Millett's work bridged academic theory and grassroots activism, making feminist ideas accessible to broader audiences. Her critique of patriarchal literature reshaped cultural analysis, while her activism advanced gender equity movements. Her legacy endures in feminist scholarship, art, and social justice advocacy.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Museum of Modern Art online collection
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Bi_Any_Other_Name/Qt2WCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Kate+Millett+bisexual&pg=PT218&printsec=frontcover)
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. American Women Writers
7. [Source](https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/kate-millett/)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Bibliothèque nationale de France
11. CiNii Research
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
14. Munzinger Personen
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. Find a Grave
17. FemBio database
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. Open Library
20. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/historical/millett/index.html)
21. Fichier des personnes décédées mirror
22. Goodreads
23. LIBRIS. 2017