I have referred to my ignorance on this issue in comments on blogs and in class. The term 'feminism' has been used quite frequently (so too the passive voice apparently) and rightly so; the class is, after all, women and philosophy. I would like some clarification as to the proper use of the term. The term is deliberately misused by some, especially in the media, and accidentally by others, myself included I am sure.
Matt began the semester by asking us if we 1) recognized that women were people and 2) believed that women were systematically disadvantaged by society (or something to that effect, I cannot, alas, remeber verbatim). He suggested then, that these were the key foundations to being a feminist. I am wondering if these are sufficient. Would there need to also be a belief that this oppression and disadvantage is unwarrented and needs changing? While I think that should obviously follow, I guarentee there are people who do not.
From my understanding and what I have been told, there are many different types of feminism, so what are the conditions that are common to them all, the essence of feminism?
If you ask five different feminists for a definition of feminism, you'll get five slightly different definitions.
ReplyDeleteHowever, most feminisms share four salient features:
1) Women of any age, race, religious affiliation, level of intelligence etc., are the equals of men of any age, race, level of intelligence, and so on.
2) Women are systematically disadvantaged by society.
3) This systematic disadvantage is wrong, and steps must correct it.
4) Women's free agency and personal choice must be respected.
Feminist differ on many points: the genesis of women's oppression, the proper steps to ameliorate it, the nature of this oppression, what "equal" means, and so on. With the rise of transfeminisms, there is even some disagreement as to who falls into the category "women."
Do you think it would be useful if I posted a quick guide to some of the more common feminisms on my blog?
Thank you Alex! That was extremely helpful. And yes, I think we could all benefit if you posted a quick guide on your blog. I know, at least, that I would be interested.
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks, Alex. The Passive Voice must be believed!
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