Radical Feminism and Reproduction
It is the view of radical feminists that the woman is the most oppressed being in existence and will continue to be so unless she can take back her power of womanhood in various forms. The argument of radical feminists is that men have forever been the cause of women's oppression and continue to do so throughout today's society. It is the belief of some of these feminists that women must seize control of the whole essence of what it is to be a woman. According to the thought of the radical feminist, men have shaped women's roles since the beginning of time. Women must now create new roles and form a culture of their own to ensure liberation from a patriarchal system in which they are reared. This paper will explore the woman's role in society based on the views of radical feminists and the woman's role in reproduction as the key source in taking back their power. Radical feminist theory holds the beliefs that men attempt to control woman's bodies. They believe that men have constructed female sexuality to serve as a man's wants, needs, and interests; totally eradicating a woman's own wants, needs and interests. Sure a woman makes her own choices, but this system of control is embedded far deeper than a woman's choice. It
The radical feminist goes to say that choice is restricted in a matter such as this. Thus, a state of androgyny is born and class distinctions between male and female will be overthrown so that all are equal. "Choice" then is limited if it means conforming to societies expectations of how a woman should respond to others needs. This can cause negative experiences and hostility among women who cannot afford children of their own, but carry a child to term for another woman. It is in the opinion of feminist Shulamith Firestone that "biological inequality of the sexes is the root of subordination of women". In the view of some radical feminists, this distinction is necessary. (Firestone, 1970) She has put a feminist twist on Marx and Engels materialist theory of history. The ability to reproduce as a way of taking back her power is at central issue within radical feminism. In theory, women should be willing to share their bodies to aid others in reproduction to show their unselfishness and compassion for the yearning couple that cannot reproduce. (Adrienne Rich, 1976) Contracted motherhood is yet another issue at debate among radical feminists. (Tong, 1989) Women's choice then is not free. It is in the view of such radical feminists that child bearing restricts women's role to that of mother and wife, exalting her from other roles such as breadwinner. In this view, a man can never form a bond or nurture a child as can a woman. In fact, some would argue that pregnancy and childbirth is liberating for women.
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Acceptance Essays
