In what sense, if any, is feminism a distinct ideology?
Feminism is a concept that forms the critique of male supremacy. Feminism delves deeper into the male supremacy aspect in our society and tries to condemn the current gender status quo that favors men over women. Feminism discusses in detail the reasons why women have been left on the receiving end of every aspect of human life. Feminism wields a greater support for women and proposes various mechanisms that can be adopted to bring gender sanity.
Feminism points the blame finger to the male elite for the problems bedeviling the society. The concept criticizes men for continually ignoring gender parity issues. The male elite have manipulated various society roles to their advantage and this has left women in a tricky situation. The unfairness is portrayed in the legal and political arenas. The employment sector has been cited as clearest indicator of the worsening situation. Women have been treated so unfairly in respect of economic issues and have increased their dependency to men.
The feminism concept continues to claim that this dependency has left women weak and helpless in comparison to their male counterparts (Freeden 1998). The feminism concept paints a gloomy future for most women and suggests that unless more is done, the gender imbalance could get out of control. The male dominion over female in matters regarding sex has been the chief indicator of women inferiority (Tennenhouse & Armstrong 1987).
The feminism concept discusses various efforts that women are making to lift themselves out of the current dreadlock. The feminism concept further indicates how women contribution efforts to the current society have been downplayed. To sum it all, one United Nations report on women states that women constitute half of the world’s population, undertakes two thirds of its work hours, takes home one tenth of the world’s income and owns less than one hundredth of the world’s property (Wright & Eatwell 1999). Feminism continues to illustrate the nature of women and their uniqueness.
Liberal feminism
Liberal feminism deals with women liberation efforts and mechanisms of making women equal to their male counterparts. Liberal feminism is a tactic that women have applied in order to attain freedom in all aspects of their lives (Disney 2008). Liberal feminism is clearly illustrated by women in earlier years who effortlessly fought for their economic, social and political liberation (Misciagno 1997). Challenges encountered in women liberation efforts have proven a hard nut to crack but women have persistently remained in the struggle.
Experts contend that liberal feminism has a correlation with equal rights feminism. The idea of equal rights is emphasized by these two concepts. Women are so keen to ensure that equal opportunities are availed to them. This will enable them reach various life goals which they deem necessary for them. In this regard women expect to break the patriarchal domination of men. Women have woken to the reality of a society that calls for the participation of each and every individual regardless of gender affiliation.
Radical feminists the world over have lobbied for support from different quarters in a bid to get people and even organizations rally behind their initiatives. Radical feminist argue that a male dominated society will bring social conflicts that will keep on spilling from one generation to the next. Philosopher Stuart mills was one such individual who personally believed in a society in which women had equal rights and opportunities as those availed to men.
Mr. Mill thought that women were unfairly treated and its time the society welcomed the idea of integrating women into the mainstream society. Mills defended women by citing difficult household chores that they performed. During mills time, various controversial debates emerged concerning the place of women in the society. Women expressed fears that the barbaric rules of the day would condemn them to a life full of misery. The advent of post modern feminism was overtaken by modern day feminism. Modern day feminism was further accelerated by democracy which had started becoming a stark reality in many societies. Democratic societies encouraged an open and fair society which gave each individual an opportunity to excel in every ambition they wanted to achieve.
Modern day feminism
Modern day feminism was more organized and sophisticated than post-modern feminism. Modern feminisms success in advancing its conventions was boosted by the expertise that women leaders incorporated in their activities. Many women joined the initiative and the milestones made were worth it. Women organization networks received unwavering support from various quarters of society including governments and non-governmental organizations.
The women liberation efforts gained momentum in the 18th century. During this time, women had the will and desire to write the books of history by changing their position in the society. Meetings and delegation conferences became the order of the day and as many analysts indicated it was time for takeoff. Despite hurdles faced, women kept with the push to freedom and liberation.
Women networks and autonomy
Women organizations advocated for autonomy in their operations. Women organizations incorporated clear and open communication networks that made their operations. This was aimed at addressing various logistics that pertained liberation efforts. The women leaders delegated various roles to other women in smaller networks. This made liberation efforts much easier.
Liberal humanism
Liberal humanism was advocated by various governments across the globe. This was in tandem with the human rights advocacy efforts that were beginning to take root. Liberal humanism was all about fixing various issues that had a retrogressive impact on humanity. Liberal humanism was against inhuman acts which treated some individuals as lesser human beings. Liberal humanism tries to fix various societal issues that have taken a wrong turn. Liberal humanism unites human beings by encouraging equal and fair treatment of every individual. Liberal humanism has faced various challenges in societies which operate in the precepts of various classes.
Liberal humanism as many analysts agree pushed liberal feminism to where it is today. Liberal humanism was a crucial component in the implementation of liberal feminism. Liberal humanism created a leeway which gave liberal feminism a chance to thrive. Various feminism experts agree that liberal feminism took effect at a faster rate with the advent of liberal humanism.
Revolutionary feminism
Revolutionary feminism implies women efforts to liberate themselves from what they consider to be a stumbling block and achieving a status in society that takes cognizance of their abilities and capacity. Revolutionary feminism is seen as a more aggressive form of liberal feminism. Revolutionary feminism involves a more pragmatic and articulate mechanism to elevate the level of women in society. Revolutionary feminism came as a result of continued women oppression and unfair resource allocation (Kumar 2003). At this point in time women clamored for desperate measures to deal with the desperate times that they were facing.
Feminism and race
Feminism has been linked time and again to race. A particular race defines its feminism depending on how well their democratic and social structures have been instituted. A particular race may find it prudent to streamline their gender structures in order to receive the benefits that accrue. The white class has properly dealt with feminism related issues and the success has been encouraging. The white class has created gender balance that has harmonized societal issues that link men and women. Experts say that feminism is a sensitive issue in the middle class of the white people. It has been pointed out that this class of women feels that more needs to be done to make women active role players.
Feminism in the black race is at the grass root levels and this society is still grappling with how to institute gender parity in their systems. Women in the black race are in a tight corner as compared to women in the white race. Women in the black race have continually faced opposition from all quarters of their society. Lack of coordination between women networks coupled with poor democratic structures have eroded the black women push to feminism.
In the above two instances women face various challenges relating to proper inclusion in the day to day running of their respective societies. Women desire to make their own decisions. They feel it is time the society stopped turning a blind eye on their concerns.
Redefinition of power and politics
Power and politics have continually operated in favor of men and against the female elite. Power and politics have defined many societies because most decisions emanate from these quarters. Power has had the effect of asserting authority to men and creating a cocoon which can never be broken by feminine forces. Politics complicate the gender issue and make it appear as unnecessary.
Redefinition of power and politics should be advocated if meaningful changes will be effected in feminism related issues. Redefinition of power and politics will include ways of opening up communication and social structures to create a more accommodative and inclusive society that respects all gender affiliations. Reassessment of these two components will open up new frontiers for men/women relationships.
Capitalism versus socialism
Capitalism has been blamed for the gender imbalances that have rocked the global society in the recent past. Capitalism as critics say, has dealt a major blow in women liberation efforts (Dolan 1991). Capitalism has denied women access to vital resources that are required for survival. Capitalism has brought unfairness in allocation of resources in the contemporary society. Capitalism has heightened gender tensions making both genders wary of each other’s decisions and moves.
Socialism is a concept that has been seen as the sure way to harmonize both genders. Socialism opens up peoples thinking horizons to a whole new world of possibilities. Socialism encourages dialogue as a means of solving problems which buffet our society. Socialism brings in some new magic of eliminating monolithic patriarchal tyranny which has been dangerous for co-existence of men and women in society.
Marxist feminists
The Marxist idea generally focuses on the question of class and its effects in the society. Marx argues that women oppression is a byproduct of various classes that exist in the society. Marx indicates that these classes have created gender imbalance by portraying women as lesser human beings who cannot make meaningful decisions for themselves. Marx in his argument tries to reason out that the need for equality is what has kept women on the push for liberation efforts. In addition Marx indicates that socialism is the best avenue for reforming gender tensions that have built up over the years.
Contradictions and gaps in arguments
Feminist experts argue that feminism is a purely women agenda. This is contrary to the fact that some male personalities have played a major role in women liberation efforts. Some of these male personalities pushed for these reforms among their male counterparts an act that they could not perform.
Replacing capitalism with socialism may be a brilliant idea but practically speaking, socialism would destabilize many economic fundamentals in existence in many societies. Feminism liberation efforts can see the light of the day in a capitalistic society, an idea that has been proven by the turn of events.
Despite the major setbacks that feminism efforts have received in recent times from the interplay of power and politics, women have learnt to change their liberation efforts by first accessing power and then using power to advance their ambitions.
Argument overview
Liberal humanism has been the reform factor that opened up the feminine liberation initiatives to a new dimension. The Marxist views came in at an opportune time for women to stage their complaints and this really paid off. Click here to Order Now
References
Armstrong, N & Tennenhouse, L. (1987). The Ideology of conduct: essays on literature and the history of sexuality. LONDON: Routledge.
Dolan, J. (1991).The feminist spectator as critic.Newyork: University of Michigan Press.
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