Feminism

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Feminism

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Feminism is the theory that men and women should be equal, politically, economically, and socially. There are many different types of feminism and each have a profound impact on someone’s view of society. The first is cultural feminism, which is the theory that there are fundamental personality differences between men and women, and that women’s differences are special. This theory supports the idea that there are biological differences between men and women and sexism can be overcome by embracing the “women’s way.” The second type is individualist or libertarian feminist. This feminism is based upon libertarian philosophies, with the focus on autonomy, rights, liberty, independence, and diversity. Next, there is the radical feminism; this theory began approximately during the 1967 – 1975. This ideology focuses on social change, and “attempts to draw lines between biologically – determined behavior and culturally- determined behavior” in order to free both men and women as much as possible from their previous narrow gender roles. Finally, there is the Liberal Feminism, this theory focuses on the idea that all people are created equal and that education is the primary means to change discrimination. Groups in favor of this theory are the N.A.C. – the National Action Committee on the Status of Woman, an organization representing 500 feminist oriented women’s groups, and the N.O.W. – the National Organization of Women. Both of these organizations and Feminism as a whole are and have been influential on the national government.

Many political groups or ideologies attack feminist ideas. Zillah R. Einstein’s book, Feminism and Sexual Equality focuses on the importance of feminist theories and its attackers. The primary two political groups that have taken a stand against Feminism are “The New Right” and “Neoconservatives.” The New Right feels that the welfare state is undermining the “traditional patriarchal family.” The state has taken over certain family functions such as the health, welfare and education of its citizens. Jerry Falwell, supporter of the New Right and head of the Moral Majority, argues that “in order to revitalize the capitalist economy, and create a moral order, and strengthen America at home and abroad, policy makers must aim to reestablish the dominance of the traditional white patriarchal family...

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...en. The women’s movement has been an important means to of empowerment to women. It is through organizing and joining women’s groups that many women have become aware of their oppression and have sought ways to gain control of their lives. Not only are women shunned from the workplace, but also many believe that they have no business in politics either.

In the book, The Women’s Movement, issues like women’s political participation and their membership to the workforce are discussed. Women have made critical improvements to their circumstances in life, be it there careers, political position, or even military involvement. Men primarily run the government that has authority over both males and females. Therefore it is necessary for the election of women into office to be the means of achiving the public policies that are consistent with the preferences of women (Gimlin, 1981). It is assumed that women office holders are better at representing women’s interests on a variety of issues, especially ones that directly affect women. Women are concerned with issues such as childcare, welfare, healthcare, and the care for the elderly. This is largely because women bear more of the

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