Aspects of Feminist theory
Feminism is an opposing collection of social theories, political movements, and moral philosophies. Their beliefs are mainly based on the experiences of women, including their social, political, and economical inequalities. It aims to understand and abolish the nature of gender inequality.
With any political movement or philosophy, there is not one concise belief that represents all feminists. It is possible to have the belief that women and men should be politically, economically and socially equal without “fitting” into the branches of feminism, as many individuals create their own definition of feminism to best suit them. If an individual believes that women and men should be politically, economically and socially equal, they are considered to be practicing a form of feminism, despite the fact that they are not directly associating with the feminist movement/theory. There are many branches of feminism, however the most popular areas of feminism are liberal feminism, cultural feminism, radical feminism, and modern feminism. It is these theories that have been taught in courses such as woman’s studies and gender studies, as they are widely acknowledged.
One of the primary sources of conflict within the feminism movement is the explanation as to why one believes in feminism, where their ideas stem from, and how these ideas can contribute to making feminism a reality.
With any political movement or philosophy, there is not one concise belief that represents all feminists. It is possible to have the belief that women and men should be politically, economically and socially equal without “fitting” into the branches of feminism, as many individuals create their own definition of feminism to best suit them. If an individual believes that women and men should be politically, economically and socially equal, they are considered to be practicing a form of feminism, despite the fact that they are not directly associating with the feminist movement/theory. There are many branches of feminism, however the most popular areas of feminism are liberal feminism, cultural feminism, radical feminism, and modern feminism. It is these theories that have been taught in courses such as woman’s studies and gender studies, as they are widely acknowledged.
One of the primary sources of conflict within the feminism movement is the explanation as to why one believes in feminism, where their ideas stem from, and how these ideas can contribute to making feminism a reality.
the three waves of feminism
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There are three waves of feminism that have developed throughout the years. The first wave of feminism focused mainly on political inequality and rights, as well as fought for women’s suffrage. The second wave of feminism (1960s) was known as the women’s liberation movement, and focused on social inequality between genders. They continued to focus on inequalities by turning their attention to women in the workplace, and their reproduction and family rights. It was not until the second wave of feminism that attention was brought to the relationship between feminism and race, when literature concerning black feminism was published. The third wave of feminism, which is taking place currently, criticizes the first two waves of feminism for being dominated by white individuals. The third wave emphasizes diversity and change, focusing on concepts concerning globalization, poststructuralism, and postmodernism. The topic of women suffering from oppression due to race has received much more attention from third wave activists.
Main branches of feminism
- Radical Feminism: It is radical feminism that promotes the basis for the majority of the ideas of feminism. It questions why women must adopt certain roles based on their biology, as well as why men are expected to adopt certain roles based on their gender. In order to free men and women from their assumed gender roles, radical feminists seek to draw the line between biologically determined behaviour and culturally determined behaviour. This type of feminism attracts more negative media attention then positive, therefore it creates an adverse reaction to feminism.
- Libertarian Feminism (Individualist): Primarily focuses on individual autonomy, rights, diversity, and independence. Focuses on barriers that men and women face due to their gender.
- Cultural Feminism: The belief that the fundamental personality differences that men and women have should be celebrated and thought of as special. It is believed that men and women have biological differences (women are kinder than men). By celebrating the qualities that women possess, cultural feminists aim to overcome sexism. Also the belief that women are inherently more kind and gentle and that it is because of these differences that if women ruled the world, it would be a better place.
- Moderate Feminism: This branch of feminism is mainly populated by young women or women who have not directly experienced discrimination. It is the belief that the feminist movement is overbearing, and no longer has a viable reason for further efforts.They support feminists and their ideas, but do not accept or desire the “feminist” label.
- Material Feminism: A movement that mainly focuses on improving women’s material condition and taking the responsibility off women when it comes to cooking, housework, and other traditional jobs that women are expected to complete.
- Separatists: These women seek to separate themselves from men, whether is it total or partial separation, often causing them to be wrongly portrayed as lesbians.Their belief is that by separating themselves from men, they are able to view themselves in different circumstances. It is believed that this is the first and most necessary step in order to obtain personal growth.
- Amazon Feminism: Women are viewed as physically capable as men are. There is a focus on physical equality and are opposed to gender role stereotypes and discrimination. They disagree with the viewpoint that women should look and behave as though they are physically helpless and weak. They also disagree that there are certain inherently masculine or feminine characteristics and interests, as each individual develops their own personality traits and interests.
the feminist view on abortion
Most feminists support abortion, especially radical feminists, as it is a necessity for millions of women around the world to maintain their health and wellbeing. It is through self-defence that a woman seeks abortion, and this is only done when an unwanted pregnancy could have long term effects on not only her, but her family and occupation as well. Radical feminists believe that women who go through with an abortion are courageous, responsible, and intelligent. It is also believed that as a civilized society, we need to provide women with the legal right to allow her to make the safest decision possible.
In Susan Sherwin’s article “Abortion Through a Feminist Ethics Lens,” she offers her feminist perspective on the topic of abortion. Feminists argue that the decision to abort is best left up to the pregnant woman, as she is the only individual who can make the best decision in this situation. In order for women to free themselves from being dominated by the male population, Sherwin believes that they need to be in control of their reproductive life, thus abortion must be legal.
A feminists perspective on abortion differs from other perspectives, as they analyze how the woman became pregnant. It is believed that women have little control over their sex lives, as well as their decision to become pregnant. Accidental pregnancies are not a decision that a woman has made. Women can be subject to rape, therefore she has not made the decision to become pregnant. Birth control cannot be expected to prevent all pregnancies, and there is no form of birth control that is one hundred percent reliable. Some birth control methods such as IUDs and the birth control pill (ironically the two most effective methods) are known to affect a women’s health in various ways. Other forms of birth control are uncommon and expensive, therefore Sherwin argues that we only have one fully effective form of birth control. This is the use of a barrier method, and the option to abort if necessary.
There is currently a competition between the rights of the women and the value of the fetus. Fetal development occurs in a women’s body, therefore it is believed by feminists that the rights of the women should be valued more than the fetus’ rights. The fetus is relational rather than absolute, and a person is valued by their personality rather than their existence. This is why Sherwin believes that fetuses should not be viewed as morally significant, because they have not developed in a social relationship and choosing it’s social status is completely dependent on the woman carrying the fetus. It is not that feminists are only concerned with free access to abortion, but mainly concerning the reasons why women consider and choose abortion. Despite a woman’s attempt to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and despite abstinence or avoiding harmful methods, it is important that abortion can be considered a back up method.
Not all feminists support abortion, and believe that more practical solutions should be promoted rather than turning to abortion. Some believe that the right to life is much more important than the right of an individual to equality and their own body. It is also believed that abortion does not free or liberate women. Rather than having free access to abortion, they believe that women should be given what they need in order to survive financially as mothers. More support would be given to mothers if they did not turn to abortion as quickly as they do. Many feminists oppose all forms of violence, such as abortion, because the core feminist principles are justice, non-violence and non-discrimination and abortion does not follow this. Some believe that having an abortion on demand is vital for men to have women on demand. They believe that this is why many men argue for, rather than against, abortion. They regard abortion as a way for men to participate in sexual intercourse without the responsibility of a possible child.
In Susan Sherwin’s article “Abortion Through a Feminist Ethics Lens,” she offers her feminist perspective on the topic of abortion. Feminists argue that the decision to abort is best left up to the pregnant woman, as she is the only individual who can make the best decision in this situation. In order for women to free themselves from being dominated by the male population, Sherwin believes that they need to be in control of their reproductive life, thus abortion must be legal.
A feminists perspective on abortion differs from other perspectives, as they analyze how the woman became pregnant. It is believed that women have little control over their sex lives, as well as their decision to become pregnant. Accidental pregnancies are not a decision that a woman has made. Women can be subject to rape, therefore she has not made the decision to become pregnant. Birth control cannot be expected to prevent all pregnancies, and there is no form of birth control that is one hundred percent reliable. Some birth control methods such as IUDs and the birth control pill (ironically the two most effective methods) are known to affect a women’s health in various ways. Other forms of birth control are uncommon and expensive, therefore Sherwin argues that we only have one fully effective form of birth control. This is the use of a barrier method, and the option to abort if necessary.
There is currently a competition between the rights of the women and the value of the fetus. Fetal development occurs in a women’s body, therefore it is believed by feminists that the rights of the women should be valued more than the fetus’ rights. The fetus is relational rather than absolute, and a person is valued by their personality rather than their existence. This is why Sherwin believes that fetuses should not be viewed as morally significant, because they have not developed in a social relationship and choosing it’s social status is completely dependent on the woman carrying the fetus. It is not that feminists are only concerned with free access to abortion, but mainly concerning the reasons why women consider and choose abortion. Despite a woman’s attempt to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and despite abstinence or avoiding harmful methods, it is important that abortion can be considered a back up method.
Not all feminists support abortion, and believe that more practical solutions should be promoted rather than turning to abortion. Some believe that the right to life is much more important than the right of an individual to equality and their own body. It is also believed that abortion does not free or liberate women. Rather than having free access to abortion, they believe that women should be given what they need in order to survive financially as mothers. More support would be given to mothers if they did not turn to abortion as quickly as they do. Many feminists oppose all forms of violence, such as abortion, because the core feminist principles are justice, non-violence and non-discrimination and abortion does not follow this. Some believe that having an abortion on demand is vital for men to have women on demand. They believe that this is why many men argue for, rather than against, abortion. They regard abortion as a way for men to participate in sexual intercourse without the responsibility of a possible child.
The impact that feminists have on abortion
Feminists have a huge impact on abortion, as their arguments for abortion being legal, as well as not being legal, are extremely valid and argued well. Abortion has been discussed for years, and it is a topic that many feminists feel strongly about. While some feminists, such as the radical feminists, support abortion and believe women should have free access to the procedure, other branches of feminism do not. Radical feminists believe that women have the right to their own body, therefore aborting a fetus should be entirely up to the woman. However, other feminist groups believe that abortion goes against general feminist principles, that the fetus has a right to life, and that there are more practical decisions that could be made to avoid abortion. Both of these arguments are valid, as abortion either violates the woman carrying the fetus, or violates the rights of the fetus. It is believed by radical feminists that the rights of the woman should be held significantly higher than the rights of the fetus, as they are not yet developed in a social relationship. This change is mainly based on the violated rights of one of the two individuals in the situation, however some believe the rights of the woman are to be held higher than the fetus’ rights, while others argue the opposite.