preview

Compare And Contrast Feminism And Liberal Feminism

Good Essays

Whilst many disagreements have arisen in feminist discourse over the years, none has been quite as prevalent or divisive as the issue of the commodification of sexuality. There are two central groups in feminist ideology that are divided on this issue, liberal feminism and radical feminism. Liberal feminism is influenced by the ideas and values of liberalism. Thus, these feminists share a contractarian view which places an emphasis on a woman’s ability to make choices for herself and that the selling of one’s sexuality is merely an expression of that choice. Paradoxically, radical feminists believe that because women live in a patriarchal society, the commodification of sexuality can never be a choice or a form of expression. Rather, forms of sexual commodification such as pornography and prostitution just enforce male oppression. This essay will explore these two ideological positions in regard to their divergent definitions of human nature and freedom which has created a division within feminism about the commodification of sexuality.

Liberal feminism is grounded in the ideological framework of liberalism and therefore shares a commonality with liberal themes of human nature. Whilst acknowledging the biological differences between sexes, early liberal feminists argued that prevailing liberal ideas should also be applied to women. Therefore, both men and women possesses natural rights, they should have equal rights under law and share equal opportunity (Beasley 1999).

Get Access