Who is a Feminist? This is a question I always ask students in my introductory courses. The response pattern in a class of 30 is typically less than 5 students identify as feminists. And of this small group, sadly almost none identify as men. What gives? Why is the word feminist so controversial? What does it mean to be a feminist? Or should I say: What do people perceive that it means to be a feminist?
The following chart provides an illustration of responses from women voters who self-identify as “feminists.” On the right side of the chart, you can see how the numbers change (they go up) when women are asked about their identification a second time after they are provided with a simple definition of feminism (see below).
We might also simply define it this way:
Feminism is the belief that women are and should be treated as potential intellectual equals and social equals to men.
While the basic idea seems easy enough to grasp, people try nevertheless to “thread the needle” so to speak, when it comes to defining as feminists. They seem to be willing to concede agreement with the general notion of equality, even as they reject feminism in practice, which has for more than 50 years been a powerful advocate for women’s equality. Again, what gives here?
A recent spate of celebrities have made attempts to “re-brand” feminism to some extent by drawing attention to issues and problems in ways that academic feminists have not always been able to argue as effectively – celebrities have called attention to the issues using humor and style. This includes people like Ryan Gosling, whose feminist advocacy has been famously “memed,” Beyonce, Emma Watson, Aziz Ansari, and Matt McGory among others.
Queen Bey – Entertainer, Mother, Wife and Feminist
Unconvinced?
Still feel uncomfortable declaring yourself a feminist? Well, at least you are in good company. Malala Yousafzai, the young woman from Pakistan, who recently won a Nobel Peace Prize was asked: “Would you consider yourself a feminist?” She hesitated at first, then offered the following answer: “Well, I fight for women’s rights.”
Now, you might wonder why a world-famous emissary and forceful advocate and for the rights of women and girls would hesitate to use the word “feminist?” I would venture a guess that she hesitates for the same reason many college students do – because of the polarizing and often extreme feelings/debates the term “feminist” conjures.
Historically speaking, to identify as a feminist has meant that one must also identify with a legacy of politically charged issues with which feminists have historically championed and addressed through advocacy politics. These issues, taken at face value, should not be controversial – but they are. And sometimes they are even controversial among feminists!
- the right to vote
- the right to hold public office
- the right to work
- the right to work for fair wages/equal pay
- the right to own property
- the right to an education
- the right to enter contracts
- the right to have equal rights in marriage
- the right to have maternity leave
- the right to have bodily autonomy and integrity
- the right to have reproductive rights (access to contraception and abortion)
- the right to protect woman and girls from rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence
Many people, and sometime young women in particular, operate under the mistaken impression that issues like the ones listed here are “settled issues” – quaint relics from the past that we no longer have to worry about because discrimination no longer happens, or that the issues are no longer the big deal that they once were. The actual facts, as such, are another matter. They are not settled. Far from it.
Feminist movements continue to campaign for many of these rights. And not just around the world. Feminist issues are not a problem of the global south or a problem of women who live in poor countries. Some of the basic rights listed here are under constant attack at the state and federal levels of government in the United States. Sadly, both men and women are implicated in efforts to curtail the rights of women.
Not Just Feminism, but Many “Feminisms”
If you can handle the idea that there are as many different “feminisms” as there are issues of concern, then you might be able to go another step further, where you might see how feminism can be defined as a collection of different movements and ideologies that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve equal political, economic, cultural, personal, and social rights.
Feminist theory, which emerged from the different feminist movements of the past (sometimes referred to as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wave feminism) has aimed to understand and document the multi-faceted nature of gender oppression and social inequality by taking a close look at the different social roles women play, their lived experiences, and the public institutions that potentially work to champion women’s rights. But here again, stereotypes of “who is a feminist” have too often prevailed due to the lack of knowledge and understanding.
Take, for example, the 3rd wave feminist pictured below. What we have here, unfortunately, is a reductive stereotype: a caricature of a woman activist that sells short the diversity of thinking, writing, and being, as advocated by modern feminists. This stereotype is, admittedly powerful. But it’s also dangerous because it is designed to trivialize and render impotent the critiques and arguments of contemporary feminists, who try to draw attention to women’s issues and talk about them in complex ways.
So then, just to be clear, not all feminists are alike. They don’t look alike, nor do they think alike. Thus, while many feminists might agree that women’s empowerment is essential, they don’t always agree on the best way to achieve this through policy and practice.
Even more important, not all feminists are women. Yes, really. Men can uphold similar values and demonstrate concern with women’s issues, which means men can be feminists too! Just like our brofriends, Ryan Gosling and Tom Hardy:
Academic Feminism – Intersectionality
Some forms of feminism have been criticized for only representing white, middle-class, educated perspectives. This critique led to the creation of ethnically specific and multiculturalist forms of feminism. Feminist theory has developed different theories and uses different conceptual tools across the disciplines and through direct action to address these different issues. Think about our class discussions about the idea that gender is “socially constructed,” or that gender is “performed.”
Intersectionality theory studies the intersections of different forms of oppression, domination, and discrimination. This theory was first advanced by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989 (though it traces its roots to the 19th century). The theory looks at how social identity is experienced along multiple and simultaneous axes: gender, race, class, ability, sexual orientation, religion, caste, species. These social identity categories work together in different ways to contribute to systematic social inequality. Intersectional feminist theorists find that the classical ways of conceptualizing oppression within society do not act independently of one another. Instead, forms of identity and oppression interrelate; they create an interlocking system of oppression that reflects the “intersection” of multiple forms of identity, which result in different forms of discrimination.
The work of Patricia Hill Collins furnishes us with another example of this type of theorizing. Collins, a leading voice for Black Feminism, argues that the experience of being a black woman cannot be understood simply in terms of being black and being a woman, considered independently; rather, to fully appreciate the social dynamic, one must include the interactions of other variables like social class, which might radically alter that experience.
Simply put, social identities like race, class, and gender are always interacting and producing different experiences for different women. Not all women have the same experiences.
Men Too
Feminist advocacy is mainly focused on women’s rights. Early scholars were clear that their focus was to “radically center” the experiences of women in society. But even authors like bell hooks concede that in order for feminism to grow and flourish, it is necessary to draw men into the conversation. Conversations about feminism might, for example, include men’s liberation, because men are also harmed by traditional gender roles.
Scholars like Michael Kimmel and R.W. Connell have focused on social issues and problems as they relate to the problem of what they call “hegemonic masculinity.” This term is used to explain how and why men maintain dominant social roles over women and other gender identities, which are perceived as “feminine” in a given society.
As a sociological concept, the hegemonic nature of “hegemonic masculinity” derives its power from the theory of cultural hegemony advanced by Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci, which analyzed power relations among the different social classes of a given society. “Hegemonic” thus not only refers to the culturally dynamic means by which a social group claims and sustains a dominant position in a social hierarchy; it refers to a distinct cyclical pattern that illustrates how hegemonic relations are produced, reproduced, and sustained to the detriment of woman AND men.
So for example, culturally idealized manhood is idealized in society, even though it is not attainable for MOST men. This is a problem. This is an ideal of manhood that can be both socially and hierarchically exclusive. Often we see it is conflated with wage earning/bread-winning and privileging embodied forms of masculinity that reflect idealized body types – i.e. “six-pack” abs. This kind of social standard can be anxiety-provoking for men. In many cases, it results in violence (either violence directed inward or outward toward others). This is not only a problem for feminists; it’s a problem for everyone.
Many sociologists, however, have criticized this definition of hegemonic masculinity for reasons that it may imply a fixed character-type; they find it analytically limiting because it runs the risk of excluding complex and different competing forms of masculinity.
As a result, hegemonic masculinity was reformulated to include gender hierarchy (patriarchy – men on top), a more broad spectrum of masculine configurations, the concept and process of embodiment, as well as the psycho-social dynamics of different varieties of masculinity.
Despite the fact that there are academic disagreements, the concept of hegemonic masculinity remains useful for understanding gender relations, because it is applicable to understanding a range of different areas of social life that are of particular interest to social scientists: education, life-span issues, criminology and deviance, health and illness, institutions, work and occupations, and understanding the different representations of women and men in mass media and communications.
Still not sure if you are a feminist? Here’s one feminist’s attempt to break it down into something more simple:
So go ahead. Say it. “I am a feminist.” Or don’t.
Sources:
Discussion Questions:
Do you define as a feminist? If not, why not?
When you look at the simple definitions provided, does it change your perspective on feminism? Does it make it easier or have no impact on your understanding of feminism, feminist issues, or feminist causes?
If you define yourself as a woman, can you think of a time you modified your behavior or took away from your own empowerment to appear more appealing to men? Has it ever been suggested to you that you should walk different, talk different, or put less effort in careers or academics because you want to be perceived as “lady-like?”
If you define yourself as a man, can you think of a time where rigid social constructs in regards to how you present as a male in society make you feel uncomfortable or even stressed? By this I mean, emphasis on being the sole bread-winner in a household, demonstrating masculine strength, and by way of contrast, not demonstrating inclination toward “book learning” and/or developing and demonstrating emotional capacity.
The always provocative Emma Watson
For a long time i have refused on several occasions to associate with the feminist ideology in general (at least due to what i have been made to understand). Thanks to this write up, i can now say that i understand more about feminism excluding the different stereotypes that i have been so used to hearing about. For a fact, this is what i stand for ; equality in opportunities , choices and equal rights for people of all gender. We should not be limited by sex or social class in pursuing our dreams or in being part of the society both on an intellectual, political or social levels. We should all be considered as equals.
So thank you very much for the enlightenment.
Why thank you. Glad to know it helped. That’s what I’m here for…I try to do my little part.
As a girl in high school growing up in Africa,most teachers saw me as this crazy little girl who thought she could stand up and defend herself.
Others argued in class, they disagreed. But I was exceptional and told to shut up because I was the only female among them.
When I was 15, I told my Parents that I might not get married, immediately I said that, my Dad scolded me and told me never to say that again.
My mum told me if I didn’t know that a single woman does not have respect in the society.
I was seriously pissed off.
A man might decide to stay single, nobody argues, nobody talks.
But for a lady, it really makes her look abnormal when she says she does not want to get married.
‘Feminist’ is a word I am not afraid of using wherever I go, be or stay.
Nothing can change that fact.
You are on the right path…and you know this. Stay strong!
The word “feminist” has been marred by stereotypes and radicals, yet there is nothing wrong with the concept of feminism as a whole. I don’t see the point in not treating a woman as an equal to a man. In terms of work environment, I don’t understand why an employer would want to maintain it as male dominated. If a man and woman have the same qualifications and certificates and accolades, how could a person’s sex sway the hiring decision? It just doesn’t make sense. In denying a woman a spot in a workplace, when qualifications are not an issue, one denies another perspective, another watchful eye, another team member, another helping hand, efficiency and speed in completing tasks. From what I would think is a logical perspective, I don’t see why an employer would want to cut off a means to make money or come to a conclusion faster (in fields where teamwork comes with the territory, e.g. a research team to cure a disease). From a feeling perspective, one who engages in sexism also creates animosity between the sexes when everyone could be getting the same treatment and getting along. With the establishment and maintenance of superiority and inferiority comes a loss of unity. Surely equal treatment and resulting stability would be a society’s aim, yet some insist on rigid and uncomfortable gender roles and blatant discrimination.
When I was a freshman in high school I remember complaining to my mom about feminists at school who were talking about how they were feminists and wouldn’t shut up about it. I thought feminists were these annoying girls who wouldn’t shave their armpits and legs and wanted to take down all males. My Mom responded with telling me that we need feminism to exist other wise I would be very unhappy with my future. As I got older I realized what she meant. As a high school freshman I didn’t really understand feminism, but I got educated. I read articles and took sex and gender classes. I no longer hesitate to call myself a feminist, because as my mom said we absolutely need feminism.
Nothing drives me crazier than when I see young girls posting their articles for the odyssey on Facebook that are titled “I am a woman and I am against feminism!” It absolutely blows my mind.I open the articles and I quickly see that they have no idea what feminism actually is. One girl wrote that she wanted equal rights, equal pay, equal opportunity, but wasn’t a feminist because she “didn’t want to put men beneath her” and “degrade men” (she also backed up her arguments with excerpts from the bible which confused me even more because none of this made any sense). Many people believe that being a feminist means that you are trying to completely get rid of men. People do not understand the different waves of feminism. Being a woman and being a feminist just means that you are fighting for your right to be treated equally to a man.
I think the fact that many male celebrities have publicly said that they are feminists is something that will make a huge difference in the way feminism is viewed. Seeing female celebrities like Beyonce discussing how they are feminists is great, but when a man does it I think people view feminism more seriously. This may come as shocking info but women are just as human as men! Why are feminists looked down upon for wanting the human rights that they deserve?
I find it problematic to label myself as a feminist. I find myself “threading the needle” in a sense as well. The fact that others also thread the needle makes it even more difficult to fit into the mold of feminism. When it comes to the economic and political equality of men and women, it is a no-brainer. However, I find myself stumbling on the social aspect. Many components of society rely on a sort of imbalance of male and female dynamics. Men are expected to pick up the tabs on the first date. Boyfriends are expected to pick up their girlfriends in their cars from work and school. Husbands are expected to provide for their wives and children. If these roles were reversed, many people, including myself, would actually find themselves thinking less of the man. Where the problem lies is that we have directly linked masculinity with power and predominance in all areas. In that, we end up justifying the social inequality between the sexes. If a man pays for dinner, it is not surprising that he would, in some cases, expect something in return. If a boyfriend picks his girlfriend up from school or work, he has the control of taking her wherever he pleases. If a husband provides for the family, he has the power to determine what is done with his earnings that supply the family’s living. It would be interesting to see what would happen if a man waited at a door with a woman, waiting for her to open it for him.
The “Free The Nip” campaign has also been problematic for me. A subdivision of third wave feminism of the “burn your bras” era, women are embracing the nature of their bodies and resisting “the man’s” effort to transform them into sexual objects with their breasts up to their chins. At the same time, when women leave the house without a bra or without tops altogether, their garner stares and giggles, some even making it on to someone’s social media account. In embracing their right to be topless in public, women can also find themselves being sexual objects in the eyes of men much easier than they would have been with a bra and top on.
The DesNudes women in Times Square (pictures attached) also exercise their right to be essentially nude in public. Sporting panties and a headress at most, the DesNudes women also profit off of their nudity by posing and taking pictures with passerbys who are almost always men. It seems to me that if they were really proactive about making a political statement about their right to be nude in public, they would not be profiting off of it. Of course a woman should also have the right to profit off of her assets, but in doing so doesn’t she still fall into the trap of being objectified by the male gaze? Isn’t she also embracing the male gaze since without it, she would not make a profit in her day’s work? When it comes to examples like these, I find myself on the fence.
There is a social construct t behave more “lady-like”, yet there doesn’t seem to be one to behave more “gentlmanly.” In other words, if a man does something disgusting, like spitting on the street or blowing snot rockets, or peeing, he is just being a guy, but if a woman does it, it’s unacceptable. I’m aware that there is a deeply rooted double standard in our society, but yuck. I am definitely not one to bend to societal norms. I run into problems for it, not just among men, but other women as well. I’ve been told many times I should wear skirts more often and what not. My daughter gets the same thing. I’m also teaching her not to bend. She grew up playing with dolls and tools and tonka trucks. I f I had a boy, it would be the same for him. I will wear what makes me comfortable, and that happens to be pants or shorts. I come from a long line of feminists. I was taught by my mother, as well as her mother to be who I am, and that who is equal to everyone else. I’ve been called overly opinionated by many men. I’ve been told that I have a dude’s mentality, whatever that means. But I’ve also seen that identifying as a feminist is now carrying less of a stigma and men are joining the joined the good fight. Afterall, fighting for equal rights for everyone doesn’t just lie on the shoulders of those fighting for those rights. As discussed in class last week, a huge part of the responsibility for change indeed lies on those that already have the power.
I can recall many times, mainly in my career that I have had to modify my own behavior to make myself more presentable to society as a “lady” and make myself more appealing to men. I have been told by former employers that I have a “mean face” and to try to smile as often as possible and keep my voice high pitched because it brings in more customers and they are more likely to buy something if they see a pretty girl in the front. Granted, I was born and raised in New York City so I think that may have a little something to do with my less than inviting demeanor which I won’t apologize for, but that still was a little hurtful to hear. Working in the fashion industry is what I’m passionate about and what I always wanted to do ever since I was little, however it isn’t easy to ignore the misogynistic standards and passive remarks made towards women in this industry every day. I worked as a makeup artist for five years and have been told to make a model’s cheeks rosier, enhance her eyes so that her gaze appears lower and plump her lips because that is the certain image that sells in a predominately male consumer market. Photoshop retouchers are masters at enhancing an image to make it more “desirable” when in reality, it just becomes more sexy.
Here’s a fun video I found on YouTube about men recreating popular ads and commercials and taking the place of the female. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SrpARP_M0o)
The standards of beauty and how women walk and talk have definitely shifted from decades ago, I would say we’re heading in the right direction towards achieving equality but the ideas of what the standards of being a “lady” and proper lady mannerisms will always be a lingering issue.
Because of the amount of second and third-wave feminism existing today, I do not openly call myself a feminist, nor do I proclaim feminism. I understand that gender equality is essential, but I do not want to associate with people who define equality as cutting a group down rather than rising up to meet with them.
Prior to taking this course, having a discussion on feminism, and reading this article I could not and would not identify myself as a feminist solely because I was not aware of the true definition of a feminist. I was going based off of the terrible stereotypes made about feminist by people who probably knew as little as I did about the meaning of being a feminist, as well as people who feel that women and men should not be treated as equals. After seeing simplified definitions of what it means to be a feminist, I can gladly state that I am a feminist. To quote G.D Anderson, “Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” And i couldn’t agree more. Women deserve to be treated and given every opportunity that men have and vice versa. Gender equality doesn’t just affect women. It affects men too.