Feminism
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TENSIONS WITHIN . . . FEMINISM (1) Equality feminism v. Difference feminism androgyny essentialism
personhood
sisterhood
human rights
women’s rights
gender equality
sexual liberation
abolish difference
celebrate difference
sex/gender divide
sex equals gender
transcend biology
embrace biology
pro-human
pro-woman
men are redeemable
men are ‘the problem’
engagement with men
feminist separatism
Despite tensions between them, these egalitarian positions are united in viewing gender differences in a negative light. Equality feminism links ‘difference’ to patriarchy, seeing it as a manifestation of oppression or subordination. From this viewpoint, the feminist project is defined by the desire to liberate women from ‘difference’. However, other feminists champion difference rather than equality. Difference feminists regard the very notion of equality as either misguided or simply undesirable. To want to be equal to a man implies that women are ‘male identified’, in that they define their goals in terms of what men are or what men have. The demand for equality therefore embodies a desire to be ‘like men’. Although feminists seek to overthrow patriarchy, many warn against the danger of modelling themselves on men, which would require them, for example, to adopt the competitive and aggressive behaviour that characterizes male society. For many feminists, liberation means achieving fulfilment as women; in other words, being ‘female identified’.
Equality feminism: A form of feminism that aspires to the goal of sexual equality, whether this is defined in terms of formal rights, the control of resources, or personal power. ‘Pro-woman’ feminism: A form of feminism that advances a positive image of women’s attributes and propensities, usually stressing creativity, caring and human sympathy, and cooperation.
Difference feminists are thus often said to subscribe to a ‘ pro-woman ’ position, which accepts that sex differences have political and social importance. This is based on the essentialist belief that women and men are fundamentally different at a psycho-biological level. The aggressive and competitive nature of men and the creative and empathetic character of women are thought to reflect deeper hormonal and other genetic differences, rather than simply the structure of society. To idealize androgyny or personhood and ignore sex differences is therefore amistake. Women should recognize and celebrate the distinctive characteristics of the female sex; they should seek liberation through difference, as developed and fulfilled women,
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