Gerald Bivens

Projects

Definitions

'feminism'=df

Most people in the United States think of feminism or the more commonly used term "women's lib" as a movement that aims to make women the social equals of men. This broad definition popularized by the media and mainstream segments of the movement, raises problematic questions. Since men are not equals in white supremacist, capitalist, patriarchal class structure, which men do women want to be equal to? Do women share a common vision of what equality means? Implicit in this simplistic definition of women's liberation is a dismissal of race and class as factors that, in conjunction with sexism determine the extent to which an individual will be discriminated against, exploited, or oppressed.1

Feminism is the struggle to end sexist oppression. Its aim is not to benefit solely any specific group of women, any particular race or class of women. It does not privilege women over men. It has the power to transform in a meaningful way all our lives. Most importantly, feminism is neither a lifestyle nor a ready-made identity or role one can step into.2

Radical feminism is working for the eradication of domination and elitism in all human relationships. This would make self-determination the ultimate good and require the downfall of society as we know it today.3

Notes

  1. bell hooks, "Feminism: A Movement to End Sexist Oppression," in Publication (City of publication: Publisher, Year published), Page range.
  2. Ibid, Page range.
  3. Cellestine Ware, "Woman Power: The Movement for Women's Liberation," in Publication (City of publication: Publisher, Year published), Page range.