By: Joya Saikia
In the modern world, the concept of feminism is often misunderstood and miscommunicated, especially among younger generations. Many people, particularly the youth, are confused about what feminism truly means and mistakenly associate feminists with misogynists or misandrists. However, this distortion leads to a fundamental misunderstanding of the core principles and values that feminism represents.
The term “feminism” was first coined in 1837 by French philosopher Charles Fourier as féminisme and was used for the first time in 1890. According to the Oxford Dictionary, feminism refers to the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of the equality of the sexes. At its heart, feminism embodies the belief that women should enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men. The movement strives for social, political, and economic equality between all genders. Individuals who actively support and promote these ideals are known as feminists, and contrary to popular misconceptions, feminists can be of any gender. Feminism’s primary mission is to challenge and dismantle systemic inequalities that women face in their everyday lives, striving for a society where every individual, regardless of gender, enjoys equal rights.
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Feminism vs. Misogyny and Misandry: Clearing the Confusion
A common misconception that fuels the miscommunication surrounding feminism is the belief that feminists are either misogynists or misandrists. Misogynists believe that women are inferior to men, while misandrists think that women are superior to men. Neither of these views aligns with the core values of feminism. A true feminist advocates for gender equality, believing in the equal worth of men, women, and non-binary individuals. Feminists have always spoken about equality before the law and the need for equal societal standing for all genders.
Key Thinkers and Works that Shaped Feminism
To fully grasp the depth and history of feminism, it is essential to study the works of some of the movement’s most influential thinkers. One of the foremothers of feminism is Mary Wollstonecraft, who made a significant impact on the movement with her revolutionary work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792). Wollstonecraft’s work emphasized the importance of women’s education and argued that women should have access to the same opportunities for personal and intellectual growth as men.
Additionally, important figures like Simone de Beauvoir, with her groundbreaking book The Second Sex (1949), Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique (1963), Germame Greer’s Sexual Politics (1970), and Kate Millett’s Patriarchal Attitudes (1970), have all played crucial roles in the evolution of feminist thought. These intellectuals not only critiqued the societal structures that perpetuate gender inequality but also laid the foundation for understanding the feminist movement as we know it today.
Feminism: The Voice of the Marginalized
Feminism is not just a political or social movement but a powerful voice for women who have been constrained by societal, religious, caste, and cultural barriers. Historically, women have often been denied the same freedoms that men enjoy. In many societies, women have been deprived of education, economic opportunities, and political participation. Feminism seeks to change this by advocating for women to have the same rights as men.
In India, leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar were pioneers in championing women’s rights. These reformers fought against regressive traditions such as child marriage and sati and worked toward creating a society where women could be educated and treated as equals. Similarly, Savitribai Phule made an indelible mark on the feminist movement by starting the first school for girls in India, further advancing women’s access to education.
True feminism stands for equality in all aspects of life. For instance, if a man can watch a movie late at night without fear, a woman should be able to do the same. This is not just about societal values but also political, social, and economic equality for women, men, and non-binary individuals. Feminism advocates for freedom, respect, and opportunities for all.
Principles of True Feminism
Feminism is often misinterpreted due to a lack of understanding of its core principles. However, true feminism can be understood through the following key elements:
- Equality: True feminists advocate for the rights and opportunities of all genders. This includes issues like fair pay for the same job, opportunities in political and business careers, and equal access to education and healthcare. The central aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, is treated equally.
- Intersectionality: Real feminism recognizes that women are not a monolithic group and that their experiences vary based on factors such as race, class, sexuality, and disability. Intersectionality is crucial in understanding the different layers of oppression that women face. The feminist movement must include all marginalized groups to achieve true equality, acknowledging that issues of racism, classism, and other forms of injustice intersect with gender discrimination.
- Respect and Autonomy: True feminists respect the autonomy of every individual and support their right to make decisions about their own lives. This includes reproductive rights, opposition to gender-based violence, and the promotion of agency in all areas of life. The second wave of feminism in the U.S. saw the rise of the Black women’s movement for reproductive rights, which ultimately became a broader movement advocating for all women, regardless of race.
- Challenging Stereotypes: Real feminists actively work to challenge and dismantle harmful gender stereotypes that limit individuals’ potential and discriminate against them. These efforts often involve community-level activism aimed at creating more inclusive and equitable spaces for all.
- Solidarity and Support: Feminism is not just about advocating for women’s rights but about standing in solidarity with other movements fighting against various forms of injustice. Feminists support campaigns for equality, such as the #MeToo movement, which seeks to address and end sexual harassment and violence.
Legal Protections for Women’s Rights
Feminism has made significant strides in shaping national and international laws to protect women’s rights. One of the most important international instruments in this regard is The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1981. CEDAW sets the standard for ensuring that women are given equal rights as men in terms of economic, political, and educational opportunities.
Feminism vs. Morality: Clarifying the Difference
A common point of confusion arises when people conflate feminism with morality. While both feminism and morality deal with principles of fairness, justice, and respect, they are distinct concepts. Feminism is primarily a social and political movement aimed at achieving gender equality, while morality is a broader framework that encompasses ethical behaviour in various aspects of life.
Feminists often use ethical arguments to advocate for gender equality, as they believe that treating all genders impartially is a moral position. However, morality encompasses a wider range of ethical issues beyond gender equality, such as honesty, integrity, and compassion.
Feminism is a powerful movement that strives for the equality of all genders, and it challenges the systemic inequalities that women have historically faced. The misunderstanding of feminism as being synonymous with misandry or misogyny detracts from its true essence, which is rooted in equality, respect, and justice for all. By advocating for women’s rights, feminists seek to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can enjoy the same freedoms, opportunities, and respect. In this pursuit, feminism intersects with other movements against oppression, demonstrating its broad scope and inclusivity.
True feminism is about breaking down barriers, promoting intersectional thinking, and standing in solidarity with marginalized groups. It is about advocating for equal opportunities and respect for all, challenging stereotypes, and supporting the autonomy of individuals in every sphere of life. To understand feminism in its entirety, one must engage with its history, key thinkers, and contemporary developments, as well as acknowledge the legal and ethical frameworks that protect and promote women’s rights across the world. (The writer can be reached at joyasaikia1990@gmail.com)
