Feminism: What is it?
Feminism is a diverse collection of social theories, political movements,
and moral philosophies. Some versions are critical of past and present
social relations. Many focus on analyzing what they believe to be social
constructions of gender and sexuality. Many focus on studying gender inequality
and promoting women's rights, interests, and issues.
Feminist theory aims to understand the nature of gender inequality and
focuses on gender politics, power relations and sexuality. Feminism is
also based on experiences of gender roles and relations. Feminist political
activism commonly campaign on issues such as reproductive rights, violence
within a domestic partnership, maternity leave, equal pay, sexual harassment,
discrimination, and sexual violence. Themes explored in feminism include
patriarchy, stereotyping, objectification, sexual objectification, and
oppression.
Modern feminist theory has been criticized as being predominantly, but
not exclusively, associated with Western middle-class academia. Feminist
activism, however, is a grass-roots movement that seeks to cross boundaries
based on social class, race, culture, and religion. It is culturally specific
and addresses issues relevant to the women of that society: for example
female circumcision in Sudan, or the glass ceiling in developed economies.
Some issues, such as rape, incest, and mothering, are universal.
Related Links
Are You A Jane?
Re-defining Feminism
Feminism
is about being who we want to be
- Article written by Pamela Mcgill Duncan, Lexington Herald-Leader,
November 3, 2005
Feminist Majority Foundation
A foundation set up to fight for the equality of women
Ms. Magazine
"I have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is; I
only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments
that differentiate me from a doormat." - Rebecca West, 1913.
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