Post on 01-Nov-2014
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FEMINIST THEORY & CRITICSM
A. Feminism is a perspective with a wide range of positions, contexts, & methods.
B. Three major ideologies:◦1. Liberal feminism – women and men
are alike and equal◦2. Cultural feminism – women and men
are fundamentally different (essentialism)
◦3. Postmodern—gender is a shifting signifier
A. Liberal feminism (e.g. "equal rights" feminism; N.O.W.)◦ 1. Based on liberal principles of equality ◦ 2. Stresses equality of opportunity in both
public & private realms◦ 3. Sex differences assumed to be learned, thus
not important in equal treatment◦ 4. Reproductive rights are important◦ 5. Majority of women & men in U.S. agree with
these ideals
B. Radical Feminism◦1. Oppression of women is fundamental
(before race & class).◦2. Seeks complete reorganization of
society: a. Eliminate both sexism & patriarchy
(including traditional family). b. Men benefit from patriarchy, thus
agents of oppression.◦3. Women-centered; "Feminism is the
theory, lesbianism is the practice." (Ti-Grace Atkinson)
5. Many radical feminists believe women both culturally & biologically superior to men (essentialistic)
6. Concerned with pornography & violence against women.
7. May also be Separatist: ◦a. Communities where women live
independently with mutual respect◦b. Many, but not all, are lesbians◦c. Community where feminine values
can flourish
C. Socialist/Neo-Marxist◦ 1. Gender combined with class (can’t separate)◦ 2. Gender not independent of social-political
conditions, but shaped by ideological frameworks ◦ 3. Liberal feminism appeals to the pursuit of self-
interest, reinforcing the sexist status quo a. Too many women, especially at the economic
bottom, are economically exploited & left out b. Women left in a damaging condition of
economic dependency upon men (through the family structure, “the problem with no name“)
D. Structural (Cultural) Feminists ◦1. View differences between the sexes as
reflecting fundamental differences (essentialism)
◦2. Women’s difference due to women's traditional role in the domestic sphere
◦3. Women have "higher" cultural values--more nurturing, supportive, & cooperative; have “maternal thinking” (e.g. Ruddick)
◦4. Society needs to incorporate more feminine values
◦5. May be separatist
E. Re-Valorists◦a. Revalue women's contribution to
society & history◦b. Revalue traditional feminine activities,
skills, & perspectives marginalized by society
◦c. May be part of Cultural or Separatist feminism
◦d. Based in standpoint theory◦e. Historical “excavation” of “lost” women
F. Religious feminists--Mainstream◦1. Seek to reclaim women’s heritage in
world religions◦2. May also seek more inclusive worship
practices◦3. Includes conservative women from a
variety of religious perspectives who value traditional female roles
◦4. Critique religious texts & practices
G. Spiritual Eco-feminism & Goddess Worship◦ 1. Ecofeminism
a. Control & subordination of women similar to control & subordination of nature (“mother earth“/"Gaia“)
b. Everything connected to everything else. c. Radical critique of modern social values,
esp. the exploitation of nature. d. Often support related movements--e.g.
animal rights, vegetarianism, peace activism, etc.
2. Goddess-worship◦ a. Wicca (modern day witchcraft) is one type ◦ b. Others concerned with myth (esp. from
Native cultures) & cultural archetypes◦ c. Seek to express women's mystical
experiences of connectedness with others (both human & non-human)
◦ d. Rituals of ancient earth religions promote harmony & respect for all living things
◦ e. May combine with eco-feminism
H. Black Feminism/Womanism◦1. Combines issues of race, class, &
gender◦2. “Womanist“--outrageous, audacious,
courageous, grownup, or willful behavior ◦3. Also refers to being woman-centered,
loving women◦4. “Womanist is to feminist as purple is
to lavender“ (Walker)◦5. Critical of mainstream feminism as
being too focused on white, middle-class Americans
I. Multicultual/”Third Wave” Feminism◦ 1. See gaps between ideals of equality &
glaring inequities of modern life◦ 2. Aims to incorporate diverse perspectives
that are international in scope (more inclusive)◦ 3. More focused on action than theory◦ 4. Seeks to affirm & improve connections
between women & men◦ 5. Celebrates “girl culture” & “cyberfeminism,”
etc.
J. Critical Feminists◦ 1. Feminist scholarship focused on social
change◦ 2. Concerned with representations of women
(in discourse, in media, etc.) ◦ 3. Several critical perspectives (not inclusive):
a. Post-structuralist (psychoanalytic) b. French feminists (L’ecriture feminine) c. Cultural studies (focuses on ideology &
power)
A. Uses 5 feminist frameworks--liberal, socialist, radical, psychoanalytic, & cultural
B. Focuses on activist strategies (liberal & radical) C. Stages of feminist scholarship in media
◦ 1. Examining sex differences◦ 2. Giving voice to women◦ 3. Focus on women-centered meaning
D. Feminist critiques of mass communication ◦ 1. Content analysis◦ 2. Historical narratives◦ 3. Cultural Studies