Feminism is a social, political, and ideological movement that seeks to advance the rights and status of all individuals by challenging and dismantling systems of patriarchy and gender inequality. It advocates for equal opportunities, rights, and representation for everyone, regardless of one’s gender identity, in all areas of life, including political, economic, and social spheres. Feminism recognizes the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, ableism, and homophobia while it strives to address these issues in its pursuit of justice (Crenshaw, 1989; hooks, 1984).
Framing & Perspectives
Nowadays, feminisms have different branches and variations with unique goals and approaches. However, the basic agreement is the equality between all people and collective liberation. The development of feminism is often defined in waves to show the historical context and movement focuses (Evans, 1997; Freedman, 2002). Origins can be traced back to the Enlightenment, with one of the first significant expressions of it being Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1792 (Burkett & Brunell, 2023). The term is from French “féminisme” circa 1837, ultimately from Latin fēminīnus, from fēmina (“woman”). First recorded in English in 1851, it originally meant “the state of being feminine” (Burkett & Brunell, 2023).
Relevance
Thus, the first feminist movements reflected the concerns of white middle-class women, and classical feminism historically lacked an intersectional perspective – often ignoring the perspective and problems of women of color, LGBTQ+ people, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds (Crenshaw, 1989; hooks, 1984). Activists like Sojourner Truth, Angela Davis, and bell hooks highlighted these gaps and advocated for a more inclusive feminism that recognizes the interplay of race, class, and gender (Truth, 1851; Davis, 1981; hooks, 1981).
Keywords: Social Movement, Patriarchal Structures, Liberation, Political Movement, Ideological Movement, Feminist Theory
Connected terms: Waves of Classical Feminism, First Wave Feminism, Second Wave Feminism, Third Wave Feminism, Fourth Wave Feminism, Benevolent Sexism, Hostile Sexism, Reproductive Rights, Acronym “LGBTQIAPN+”,Queer Theory
References
Baumgardner, J., & Richards, A. (2000). Manifesta: Young women, feminism, and the future. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Burkett, E., & Brunell, L. (2023, January 23). Feminism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/feminism
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory, and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), Article 8.
Davis, A. (1981). Women, race, & class. Random House.
Evans, S. (1997). Born for liberty: A history of women in America. Free Press.
Freedman, E. B. (2002). No turning back: The history of feminism and the future of women. Ballantine Books.
hooks, b. (1981). Ain’t I a woman: Black women and feminism. South End Press.
Munro, E. (2013). Feminism: A fourth wave? Political Insight, 4(2), 22-25.
Truth, S. (1851). Ain’t I a woman? Speech delivered at the Women’s Rights Convention, Akron, Ohio.
