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Radical feminism paper
Radical feminism essays
Some feminist scholars worry that standpoint theory
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Standpoint epistemology is a branch within feminist epistemology that Godfrey Smith labels “radical feminist epistemology”. Standpoint epistemology concerns itself with refuting the idea that “situatedness” is a hindrance to science. Instead, this branch celebrates situatedness due to the existence of “facts that can only be [that are] visible from a special point of view, the point of view of people who have been oppressed or marginalized by society” (Godfrey-Smith, 142). As a result “science will benefit from taking more seriously the ideas developed by people with this special point of view” as these individuals have better access to crucial facts, unlike their more privileged counterparts (Godfrey-Smith, 142). The aim, however, is not to prove the superiority of ideas shared and …show more content…
communicated through the marginalized, but to allow their ideas to support and revise empiricism. The goal would be for empiricism itself to rely more on context as opposed to attaching itself to general principles that tend to remain static and unable to account for certain phenomena.
This idea was expressed in Godfrey’s example of primatology in which women began to observe trends in the sexual behaviors of primates that had yet to be uncovered. Sarah Hrdy, for example, observed that “female [primates] seem to engage in subtle patterns of manipulation of male behavior” and that “much of the manipulation may be directed at influencing male behavior toward offspring” (Godfrey-Smith, 140). This discovery counters that of the classical biological view that “female [primates] were seen as passive” and were simply being dominated by their male counterparts (Godfrey-Smith, 141). The reason for this discovery can be attributed to standpoint theory, in that a marginalized group, in this instance being female primatologists, held a different view of female primates because they identified with the female primates because they themselves were female. In addition, standpoint epistemology also allows for women to bring a “different kind of social interaction to scientific
communities”. Godfrey-Smith states that “feminists have sometimes suggested that women are, on the whole, less competitive and more cooperative than men”, and although a very loose generalization, this idea supports a central component in standpoint epistemology in that communication between individuals that share different views and values is necessary in creating an all-encompassing body of knowledge that provides a buffet of ideas and interpretations and phenomena. However, one of the main criticisms of standpoint epistemology is that it appears that it serves to change the current status of epistemology, as opposed to attacking its traditional ideas about science and knowledge. If it were possible, I would propose a view that synthesizes standpoint epistemology alongside Sandra Harding’s second category of feminist criticism of science known as philosophical feminist empiricism. This view emphasises revising traditional ideas about science and knowledge but does so in a way that “remains faithful to the most basic empiricist themes” (Godfrey-Smith, 141). This careful revision of traditional values shared amongst proponents of philosophical feminist empiricism alongside standpoint epistemology’s emphasis on diverse perspectives nullifies instances, such as the “Sokal Hoax”, that serve to dismantle the unity amongst the various fields within science studies, in that they would be irrelevant due to not only viewpoints being revised to fit within context, but the very foundation of empiricism itself being revised as well. Allowing for not only diverse perspectives, but those diverse perspectives being protected under what could be the new paradigm of empiricism that places both relevant and diverse theories as being the most important in developing universal knowledge.
In Feminism Matter: Debates, Theories, Activism, author Victoria L. Bromley not only begins to delve into what it means to be a feminist in today’s society, but also provides the critical background knowledge required to be able fully understand modern feminism. A key factor in understanding any social justice movement is comprehending the difference between subjective knowledge and objective knowledge. Subjective knowledge is knowledge that “...is informed by the person or subject who is speaking” (Bromley, 38). To elaborate, subjective knowledge is derived from an individual’s experience, which often leads to opinions. Opinions are a prime example of subjective knowledge, however it is indisputable that opinions are influenced by bias for
Linda Alcoff utilizes “Epistemologies of Ignorance: Three Types,” enhances previous work already performed within feminist epistemology and elaborate a typology of ignorance’s. She proposes that there are three types of epistemologies of ignorance’s, the situation of knowers, the perception of viewpoint epistemology, and the third is a universal type. Knowledge and expertise that is known or unknown is utilized to provide a distinction between the powerful and the powerless. Alcoff also claims that traditional epistemology should not be used when assessing ignorance due to it being insufficiently reflexive. Alcoff view closely mirrors my own therefore this is not a critical argument but a concurring viewpoint enhancing her argument.
30, No. 4, New Feminist Approaches to Social Science Methodologies, Special Issue Editors, Sandra Harding and Kathryn
Feminist Theory is an aspect of considering feminism as having been based on socio-phenomenon issues rather than biological or scientific. It appreciates gender inequality, analyzes the societal roles played by feminists in a bid to promote the interests, issues and rights of women in the society. It is also based on the assumption that women play subsidiary roles in the society. The whole idea of feminism has however experienced hurdles in the form of stereotyping by the wider society. This paper tries to examine some of the effects of stereotypes that feminism goes through, what other philosophers say and the way forward towards ending stereotyping.
The realization that knowledge is situated powerfully affects how we generate knowledge. While standpoint theory offers a valuable critique that validates previously ignored perspectives, even Wylie's perspective on epistemological privilege is difficult to accept. A tempered and thoughtfully implemented feminist empiricism, therefore, offers a better way of understanding and generating knowledge in our dynamic and varied world.
For decades now, women have been fighting to earn rights for political, social and economic equality to men. What made the diversity change many of the rights against women after decades of being treated unequally? The second wave of feminism started to evolve near the end of the second World War. More women were starting to achieve degrees to pursue a career which will provide them wealth and joy. The second movement mainly focused on gender equality such as voting rights, reproductive rights and political rights. Due to the feminism wave, women earned respect world wide by standing up to achieve legal rights and equality to men. Therefore, the second wave of feminism that took place in the United States during the 1960s helped bring equality for women in the areas of education, work and pay, reduced violence against women, and helped gain rights in their reproductive and political lives.
Groupthink is an instance where an individual may conform to thoughts of others in a group, even though they may not necessarily agree with the topic (Brym and Lie 2018). Many may participate in groupthink subconsciously. No individual wants to stand out within a group of people. It can be common within groups of people considering individuals want to conform to norms in society. Groupthink is seen as negative, often displayed in dystopian societies which allows us to deny that we participate in it.
The Scarlet Letter can easily be seen as an early feminist piece of work. Nathaniel Hawthorne created a story that exemplifies Hester as a strong female character living with her choices, whether they were good or bad, and also as the protagonist. He also presents the daughter of Hester, Pearl, as an intelligent female, especially for her age. He goes on to prove man as imperfect through both the characters of Dimmesdale and of Chillingworth. With the situation that all the characters face, Hawthorne establishes the female as the triumphant one, accomplishing something that, during Nathaniel Hawthorne’s time, authors did not attempt.
Feminist sociology focuses on examining and understanding gender in its relation to power within society as well as individuals. The fundamental principle of feminist sociology is the idea that in most societies, women have been oppressed and that men have been more dominant throughout history. Feminist theory directly relates to feminist sociology. According to the Introduction to Sociology 2e textbook, “feminist theory is a type of conflict theory that examines inequalities in gender-related issues. It uses the conflict approach to examine the maintenance of gender roles and inequalities” (Openstax 261). This paper aims to analyze feminist theory, discuss its history, as well as emphasizing a current social
Feminist theory is the extension of feminism into theoretical, fictional or philosophical dissertation. It helps to explain the main nature of gender inequality. It further explains the social roles of women in the society such as education, communication, philosophy, sociology and so on (Chodrow, Nancy 1991).
Rather than being focused solely on feminist standpoint, Mahowald (1996) suggests amending standpoint theory to include both feminist’s and women’s standpoints so as to account for the diversity of women as individuals and as members of other groups (101).
The combination of liberal and radical feminism is not one that often comes to the mind, but it can be useful to consult various viewpoints when tackling complex issues. Despite drastic differences between them, these two views of feminism do hold some similarities with each other by virtue of their common goal (when that goal is simplified to simply equality of the genders). In this paper I will be outlining some of the basic similarities and differences between these two ideologies of feminism and I may not cover all of the connections and gaps between the two for the sake of length. Moving forward from this explanation of liberal and radical feminism, I will use it to explain their views of pornography and how it aided my own understanding
Feminist epistemology involves the study the theory of knowledge i.e. epistemology from q feminist standpoint; the disadvantage faced by women through knowledge and justification. It is usually said to be concerned with how our knowledge is influenced by gender through justification and inquiry. Feminist’s epistemology is ideally based on the fact that by the perspective of a certain theory is affected upon by the knowledge pertaining the theory. The themes which characterize feminist epistemology are not unique it on only, since the themes are also found in the filed science studies and social epistemology. However, feminist epistemology is distinct from both science studies and social epistemology in that, for reconstructing and analysis, gender is characterize used. However, feminists have always argued gender rather than being determined
Feminism is a perspective not a research method, meaning there are multiple ways to approach the study of women (Reinharz, 1992). However, a central goal of feminist empiricism, standpoint epistemology, and post-modernism methodologies is that women's lives are important and must understand women from their perspective and in context (O’Donnell, 1985, in Reinharz, 1992). Feminist methodologies all share a dedication to move the focus from the masculine perspective to incorporating both men and women to advance knowledge (DeVault, 1996). Therefore, it is research about women but also for women. It aims to identify various intelligences, the different ways of knowing, and to give a say to the silent voices (DeVault, 1996). Feminist methodologies have opened society’s eyes to a new and innovative way of carrying out research, and have influenced other fields and the way research is formulated. It has also challenged societal norms by questioning patriarchy and traditional notions.
Misandrists. Extremists. Radical Feminists. These are all forms of extreme feminists, associating themselves with the movement when they are the ones responsible for creating a negative and unfair image of ‘Feminism’. The mere word attracts raised eyebrows and queer looks - the only reason being that its true definition has been buried by women who take it too far. Many people are ignorant of the movement, but they aren’t aware that gender inequality is an on-going issue. Without a doubt, this movement needs to be given more significance as women’s oppression exists to this day.