Research in the area of gender and translation is relatively recent in the field of Translation Studies. Feminist theory in translation has brought us the understanding that translation is conflictual in that it engages many of the same kinds of active identity-forming processes as other language activities. Translation can thus provide us with valuable information about practices of domination and subversion in society. In light of contemporary explorations of cultural difference in Western society and theoretical works that question the basic duality of gender, research perspectives about translation and gender are multiple and very promising since much of the terrain is yet uncharted. Reserach in the area of cultural difference and its translation is crucial in a globalized world, as we have come to understand the commerce between languages to be central to the process of communication and to achieving lasting peace. Contemporary cultures are increasingly plural and Western society, as a whole, has turned into what has been called a vast "contact zone" in which intercultural relations contribute to the fabric of national cultures. The inscription of translation within contemporary writing, poetra and fiction is a clear indication that translation has now moved to the center of Western intellectual, social and cultural preoccupations. The place of women is also a major concern today in society. The aim of this project is to further advance research on translation and gender and to address some of the questions at the heart of contemporary debates. I will critically examine major contemporary perspectives on gender, culture and translation and analyze, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the works of the feminist historian Joan Scott and of the philosopher Judith Butler from the viewpoint of translation theory and practice. I will then explore Nancy Huston's practice of self-translation and crossover in the context of feminist theory and translation.