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