Core Principles and Types of Feminism Explained

Defining Feminism and Gender Equality

Rebecca West famously said, "Feminism is the radical (essential) notion (view) that women are people." In other words, feminism is a commitment to achieving the equality of the sexes.

The Different Types of Feminist Movements

1. Liberal Feminism

This branch emphasizes the similarities between males and females, maintaining that given an equal environment and opportunities, males and females will behave similarly.

2. Radical Feminism

Radical feminists view the control of women by men as the first and the most fundamental form of oppression. According to radical feminists, oppression on the basis of being a woman is one thing all women have in common. Some argue that women can escape only by creating their own women-only communities.

3. Woman-of-Color Feminism (Womanism)

This type of feminism focuses on issues of importance to minority communities, such as poverty, racism, healthcare, and education. Womanists do not see men of color as oppressors but as brothers facing the same problems.

4. Cultural Feminism

This perspective suggests that the qualities of women have been devalued and should be honored and respected in society. Cultural feminism has been useful in understanding the importance of unpaid household work contributed by women.

5. Global Feminism

Global feminism examines how discrimination against women is related across various cultures. Issues of special concern include:

• Sweatshop labor: Overloaded and underpaid workplaces.
• Unequal access: Disparities in healthcare and education.
• Violence: Abuse against women and girls in developing countries.

Core Values of Feminist Movements

• Feminism values women as important and worthwhile human beings.
• Feminism recognizes the need for social change.
• Men favoring the idea of female equality are labeled as "profeminist."

Conservative Perspectives on Gender Roles

• Men holding all political power.
• Women's roles defined primarily as wives and mothers.
• Abortion and divorce being considered out of the question.
• The world of work and achievement being seen as a "man's world."
• The belief that biological differences determine these social roles.
• The view that because a woman is biologically given the attributes of a mother, she must perform all childbearing and nurturing jobs.
• Religious teachings that women must be obedient.
• The belief that a supreme being ordained women's submission and subordination.