I've come, even as a feminist, to dread the phrase 'female friendship,' because it tends to signal overdetermined relationships.

In this quote, Michelle Dean expresses her discomfort with the term "female friendship" despite identifying as a feminist. She suggests that the phrase often comes with certain societal expectations or assumptions that can oversimplify or constrain the complexity of relationships between women. By using the term "overdetermined", Dean implies that the label of female friendship often carries preconceived notions about how women should behave in their relationships with each other, possibly limiting their individuality or the natural dynamics of these bonds.

Dean’s hesitation towards the term points to a broader issue in the way society constructs gendered labels, especially when it comes to women. She may feel that the concept of female friendship is often idealized or stereotyped, forcing it into a box where it is expected to fit a particular mold—be it overly nurturing, competitive, or emotionally supportive in a certain way. These predefined expectations can diminish the authenticity and diversity of women’s friendships, which, like any human connection, should be allowed to unfold organically without being confined by gendered norms.

As a feminist, Dean’s critique also highlights the tension between embracing gender solidarity and challenging stereotypical gender roles. The phrase "female friendship" can sometimes be used to reinforce traditional views about women's behavior, suggesting that their relationships are inherently different from those of men, or that they always operate according to specific patterns of emotion and behavior. This expectation, in turn, can feel limiting to those who experience and define their friendships in more nuanced ways.

Ultimately, Dean's reflection calls for a more authentic and individualistic approach to understanding friendships, where the nature of the bond is not confined to societal labels or expectations. By questioning the term "female friendship", she encourages a broader, more open view of relationships that allows for variation and complexity, free from the constraints of overgeneralized gender norms.