Download Exploring Feminism's Branches: Liberal, Cultural, Radical, Socialist, Ecofeminism & More and more Schemes and Mind Maps Dynamics in PDF only on Docsity!
Liberal feminism—form of the
equality type of feminism
•^
Liberal feminism
is a form of feminism that
argues that equality for women can be achievedthrough
legal means and social reform
•^
Liberal feminism
leans towards an
equality or
sameness argument
with men.
•^
Liberal feminism
conceives of politics in
individualistic terms and looks to reform presentpractices in society, rather than advocating for awholesale revolutionary change. Feminist writersassociated with this tradition include early feministMary Wollstonecraft and second-wave feministBetty Friedan.
-^
“Liberal feminists”
are often seen among other
types of feminists as conservative andoverwhelmingly white and middle class.
Cultural feminism—example of
difference feminism
-^
Cultural feminism believes
that a female nature or female
essence is essential to society.
-^
It’s the theory that there are fundamental personality andpsychological differences between men and women, andthat women'
s differences are not only unique, but superior.
-^
This theory of feminism takes note of the biologicaldifferences between men and women - such as menstruationand childbirth and extrapolates from this the idea of an inherent "women's culture."
For example, the belief that
"women are kinder and gentler than men," prompts culturalfeminists call for an infusion of women'
s culture into the
male-dominated world, which would presumably result inless violence and fewer wars.
-^
Cultural feminism seeks to
improve the relationship
between the sexes and often cultures at large by
celebrating
women's special qualities, ways, and experiences
, often
believing that the "woman'
s way" is the better way, or that
the culture discussed is overly masculine and requiresbalance from feminine perspectives.
Socialist feminism
•^
Socialist feminism
focuses upon both the public
and private spheres of a woman'
s life.
•^
Argues that liberation can only be achieved byworking to end both the
economic
and
cultural
sources of women'
s oppression.
•^
Broadens Marxist feminism’s argument that capitalism
is the source of all women’s oppression;
•^
Incorporates radical feminism'
s theory of the role
of
gender
and the
patriarchy
•^
"Socialist feminism confronts the common root ofsexism, racism and classism: the determination ofa life of oppression or privilege based on accidentsof birth or circumstances. Socialist feminism is aninclusive way of creating social change. We valuesynthesis and cooperation rather than conflict andcompetition." –from Socialist Party pamphlet
Ecofeminism
•^
Ecofeminism
is a social and political movement
which unites environmentalism and feminism.
-^
Ecofeminists
argue that a relationship exists
between the oppression of women and thedegradation of nature.
-^
Ecofeminists
the are concerned with connections
between sexism and the domination of nature.They are also concerned with racism and othercharacteristics of social inequality.
-^
Some current work emphasizes that the capitalistand patriarchal system is based on tripledomination of the "Southern people" (those peoplewho live in the Third World, the majority of whichare south of the First World), women, and nature.This is sometimes referred to as global north andsouth.
Male Feminists...
• Yes, men are feminists, too. Some other good examples in this film clip called Debunking Myths ofFeminism-Let’s Talk About It http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2f-f9KZqBI
Do I have to choose?
• No—most feminists believe that free
thinking is important. It’s the “focus” or“how to accomplish” equality that dividesfeminists more than anything.
Don’t ever forget...
-^
To think for yourself—any philosophy canbe a straight jacket.
-^
To see the world through a lens other thanthat of the status quo.
-^
To honor the efforts of those who workedto get you your rights
-^
To
use
your rights.
-^
To extend those rights to those who don’thave them and the next generation.
-^
To remember that nobody is perfect, butsystems and philosophies can be mademore perfect.
