Feminism

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Feminism is a political/social movement which intends to improve women's position in the society. Feminists regards "women and men are treated differently because of their sex." Namely, men (structure) are over women, women are ruled by men. This situation is often being reinforced by family, institutions, and the media.

The feminists view the State as male-dominant, and are against "patriarchy." They believe that the unequal treatment should be challenged and can be changed. There were two waves of feminism. The "first wave" of feminism emerged in 1840s and 1850s, fighting for "slavery" as well as for women's legal and civil rights. The "second wave' of feminism occurred during 1960s and 1970s (the civil war era), demanding for women's liberation: a.) rethink what it is to be a woman, b.) help women to have a place at public regime, and men have a place at home, and c.) improve women's life.

Three forms of feminism are conventionally identified: liberal feminism, socialist feminism, and radical feminism. Liberal feminist values equality, and is characterized by the quest for equal rights. Socialist feminist, derived from Marxism, concerns about the relations between female subordination and the capitalist mode of production. They view women suffer double oppression, of men and capitalist combined. Radical feminists consider the cause of women's oppression is not class nor any other social structure, but men. They declare that "the personal is the political."

 

Contributed by Li-Ying Chuang