Feminism And Women 's Equality

The modern definition of feminism: “an ideology that, in its most basic form, directly opposes sexism by supporting gender equality and portraying women and men as equal.” (Finsterbusch 59). This definition was the early direction towards treating women like human beings rather than a housebound body, and this is why feminism should not be viewed as a harmful ideology. By exemplifying the importance of the ideology of feminism, by refuting those who claim that women have used feminism to exploit their personal wants and desires, and by presenting women’s first hand encounters of inequality, case studies, sound arguments and documented research one will be persuaded that the ideology of feminism is not discrimination towards men, but rather an encouragement for a woman’s rights and equality.

Feminism is a very popular and controversial concept in today’s world. Feminism is a range of ideologies as well as social and political movement all aiming for a common goal to define, establish and achieve equal rights and position to women legally as well as socially. The people with these ideologies are commonly known as FEMINIST. Feminism theory is not only about understanding but also to take action. Naturally people expect women to be related to the idea of feminism and be a feminist rather than men. Men have taken part as significant cultural and political responses within each wave of feminism movements.Feminist men have also argued alongside scholars that liberation of men from the socio cultural constraints of gender roles and sexism is a significant part of feminist activism and scholarship.

Feminism has become an ugly word. Some say it does not even live up to its definition anymore. However, the definition remains unchanged in the pages of history. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary’s definition of Feminism reads, “The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” If one digs deep into this definition, beyond the surface of society’s view on feminism today, one can see that feminism would benefit both sexes. The true ideals of feminism break down gender roles, thus benefitting men, women and future generations.

The definition of feminism is very elusive. Maybe because of its ever-changing historical meaning, it’s not for certain whether there is any coherence to the term feminism or if there is a definition that will live up to the movement’s variety of adherents and ideas. In the book “No Turning Back,” author Estelle Freedman gives an accurate four-part definition of the very active movement: “Feminism is a belief that women and men are inherently part of equal worth. Because most societies privilege men as a group, social movements are necessary to achieve equality between women and men, with the understanding that gender always intersects with other social hierarchies” (Freedman 7).

Feminism can be defined as “the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.” It is something that is debated all throughout society today. However, the problem of whether or not women should be equal to men has been around for much longer than any of us.

Feminism is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. There are many movements that are trying to express this belief to others. Feminism is an empowering movement to women and men. Women are willing to stand up and fight for their rights. Not only does feminism express the belief of equality for both genders, it also is showing the new generations that is okay to stand up for what you believe in. Feminism shows courage and acceptance of yourself. It demonstrates boldness and bravery to people around the world.

Many people are often misinformed or given bad first impressions of feminism. However, feminism is equal rights for all people of different race, sex, gender, and sexuality. Many of the people that give feminism a bad name, include a self-proclaimed feminist that is running for presidency, and meninists who are satirical equal rights activists. In reality, feminism is pro-gender equality and opportunities for all types of people.

In the minds of many, feminism is confused with misandry, the belief that women should be more powerful than men; however, this could not be further from the truth. Feminism is women, men, and nonbinaries taking a stand, together, for equality. Fighting for unshaved female legs, fighting for late night walks through the park completely alone, and completely safe. Fighting for higher rates of self esteem and complete acceptance without judgment. Feminism tells males that it is okay to cry and show emotion. Feminism teaches the world that we are all the same, that we should strive for a better world for all. Feminism is the fight for equal rights and equal treatment in all areas of society, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

“Feminism is a belief that although women and men are inherently of equal worth, most societies privilege men as a group. As a result, social movements are necessary to achieve political equality between women and men, with the understanding that gender always intersects with other social hierarchies.”

The readings and video that have been discussed in this lesson have definitely changed my perspective on many things relating to feminism and women’s oppression as a whole. Before I started this class, I was unaware of all the events women went through in for their rights. Now, that I have started this class I have become more aware of how women’s rights has become a prominent issue in America today.

Feminism was once a movement understood to focus on the rights of women. Feminism today involves a countless range of other human right affairs aiming to defend a state of equality and legal protection for men, women, and everyone in between. Throughout American history feminism has been associated with negative, false images that devour the efforts of activist who strive to bring justice to widely ignored issues. The theory of feminism has existed since the nineteenth century and has since evolved over generations to fit modern society, yet the label “feminist” continues to bring up controversy and criticism. Feminism has a stigma attached to it brought on by opposition and misconceptions which make it difficult to be taken seriously.

As a result of the previously stated misconception, the belief that men should not be feminists is often seen in society. A feminist is someone who believes in equality between the sexes--men included. Having been wrongly informed about the definition of feminism, some men feel as if it would be wrong for them to be called a “feminist” because of what the term suggests. It would prove difficult for a man to share his beliefs concerning equality if he was under the impression that feminists fight for the idea

By definition, feminism is the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. Feminists believe in granting people the freedom to pursue their own ambitions, irrespective of whether they are male or female, and to be rewarded for their effort in a way that is equal to their other co-workers (Wright). One would think that this would be a cause that anyone, man or woman, would be proud to stand behind. Unfortunately, that is not the description society correlates with feminism. In today’s world, “feminist” is a label that many are hesitant to claim, myself included. Before I had researched in depth the history of feminism and its goals I was one of those people who bought into the stereotypes. I

One of the scariest things I see time and time again is how so many women didn’t even realize how unfairly they were being treated. It was only after being reached by social movements or reading books, like The Feminine Mystique, that they realize their treatment is unfair. That fact really illustrates how an entire half of the population can be oppressed even when they hold so much social power.

Women began to make the first steps to expose society to these issues and began the empowerment movement of feminism. Throughout time, the inequality between genders has improved and the stereotypical housewife idea has diminished however, gender roles have not. Many feminists use the term patriarchy referring to the power of the fathers, where older men are in powerful positions and to describe a male dominant society. However, women are still fighting for equality today, in the home, in the work place, between relationships and in societies overall function. Women are unequally paid, or not given the same opportunities a man would, specifically a white male. Women of color also have a more difficult time breaking this stereotype, inequality and societies perception of women, sexually and emotionally. Throughout the many decades of women fighting for equality changes have emerged among the waves of feminism, we will take a closer look through the lens of my families three generations of women including, my grandmother, my mother and