The term “feminism” has many different uses and meanings. Some writers use the term “feminism” to refer to a historically specific political movement in the United States and Europe; other writers use it to refer to the concept that there are injustices against women.
Feminism is both an intellectual commitment and a political movement that seeks justice for women and the end of sexism in all forms.
Three basic waves
- The feminist movement is usually broken up into three “waves.” The first wave in the late 19th and early 20th centuries pushed for political equality.
- The second wave, in the 1960s and 70s, pushed for legal and professional equality.
- And the third wave, in the past couple decades, has pushed for social equality.
Although the term “feminism” has a history in English linked with women’s activism from the late nineteenth century to the present, it is useful to differentiate feminist beliefs from feminist political movements.
- The Idea of feminism
There are millions of people who both inwardly and outwardly do not support the idea that there should be equal rights and equal opportunities for men and women
- Equality
There are thousands of people who feel we’ve already arrived at equality for men and women.
- Still striving for the Rights
There are also people who believe we’re not at all there yet, and support continuing efforts to pave the way for equal rights for men and women.
- Issues with the word Feminism
There are thousands who believe in equal rights but find “feminism” a word and a movement that doesn’t align with their personal beliefs or values
- Awareness
Both conscious and unconscious gender bias is rampant within us, but most us aren’t aware of it
If you look up the definition of “Feminism” in the dictionary, you’ll see these statements:
Feminism is:
1. The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes
2. The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
3. The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities
4. The doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men
Feminism is basically about equality of men and women, not “sameness.” so people usually come up with the argument that women and men are not actually the same. In other words, because their bodies are different (many say “weaker” and smaller), and because men and women have different physical capabilities, these physical differences do not favour equality at all. It’s difficult l to understand that “same” does not mean “equal.” The issue here is about equal rights and equal access to opportunities. Men and women don’t have to be the “same”physically to have the right to equality.
Does feminism need redefinition?
Yes the perception of feminism needs to change. politically we’re in a time of backlash that’s dangerous for minorities and women in general. But young feminists are trying to find ways to overcome these challenges..
We should value the groundwork the second-wave (’60s and ’70s) feminists laid for us and also become innovative and flexible to move in a direction that’s helpful for all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation etc.
The ideology of feminism is changed by many misconceptions and not everyone understands what feminism actually is. I think some women are also responsible for this misunderstanding.The ones who apparently claim to be the champion of feminism and women rights for fame or money, but not in a true and actual sense.
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