Feminism: Equality and Freedom
What is feminism? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines feminism as "the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes and organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests." The definition sounds simple enough. Yet, the history of feminist movements is far from simple. Actually, it can be very confusing. First there were the three major movements: Liberal, Socialist and Radical, each with its own definition. In time, smaller movements surfaced and today there are well over thirty branches of feminism. There is one consistent theme and it is the fight for rights equal to men. Equality simply does not address the larger issues of inherent femaleness and the injustices of the male system; we need a broader definition that includes freedom as the ultimate goal of feminism. Equal rights and equality are frequently synonymous with the rights of men in society. Throughout history, men have been seen as wealthy and powerful rulers. Women stayed home and raised children and did housework. Their contributions were less valued, often unrecognized. It is no wonder we battled for the same rights. Their status in society had to look appealing.
Unfortunately, we seemed to have confused equality with sameness. Women have fewer career opportunities and hold far less upper- management positions than men. Women are still paid considerably less than men and represent the largest number of poor adults. The male system certainly has not changed. Women have to wonder if this was the victory we wanted. We also need to begin celebrating the female condition as it is while at the same time adopting androgynous qualities that do not threaten our femaleness (i. Women have entered the workforce in full force, we can climb the corporate ladder, we can vote, and we can even fight in meaningless wars. Women do not have tof its members is considered equal. Women have been able to vote since 1920 but our political roles and influence have been minimal. We have played the game and the sad truth is that we are still far from equal. its members "the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes and organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests. Kansas has only had one female governor. for their contributions as women women are forced to takevalues male standards and lets women be who they are value the contributions of women on society, rather than expand the definition of feminism to include the highest level of freedom in a society that is possible for all members of society whose goal is not to be equal to men in a society that only values male standards, but to defining equality as a condition in society where all member's contributions are considered equal. They have reluctantly let us in, but we have to play by their rules. is to expand the concept of definition of equalitydefine feminism expanding the concept of equality where all contributions in society are considered equal So, what is the answer? How can women succeed in a male system without sacrificing their female characteristics? We need to work at dismantling the elite male system that will never foster freedom or acceptance, peace or respect.
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