An Introduction to Feminism

By: S. Costa Franco

Ah, feminism. This is a word we hear constantly in our modern-day society. Although so many do not know what it is. The actual definition of feminism is "the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes." 
Many do not know this, but there are several different types of feminism; these include: 

• Gender reform feminisms: Rooted in the political philosophy of liberalism, with emphasis on individual rights. 
  
• Gender resistant feminisms: Focus on specific behaviors and attitudes in which women are treated in an inferior manner.  
  
• Gender revolution feminisms: Analyze cultural reproductions of inequalities and seek to deconstruct the social concepts, as well as disrupt social order.  
  

There are many different ideas and myths that circulate concerning the word feminism and everything that the movement fights for and represents. Some of these are: 

• Many simply do not believe in equal rights for women and men. 
  
• Many think that we already have equality for women and men. 
  

• Many believe we are not there at all and think that it is important to keep fighting to achieve equality. 
  
• Many believe in equal rights but do not think that "feminism" is a good display of equal rights. 
  

Our biases, both conscious and unconscious, as well as our personal experiences, influence our views on such matters. 
People tend to dislike the word feminist and at times even use it as an insult for many reasons. Some of these are: 

• Strong, forceful women tend to be associated with feminism, and we, as a society, tend to suppress women with strong beliefs. 
  
• It is thought that feminism will cause men to lose any power, influence, opportunities, or authority they have upon society.  
  
• Many believe that feminists will rise to absolute power and take control.  
  
• Several religions, traditions, and beliefs that come from the past are challenged with the rise of feminism, and for some, that feels wrong and terrifying. 
  

• If women have equal rights to men, some believe that the modern-day culture and aspects such as marriage and relationships will be disrupted, as well as the situation in the workplace, and are afraid of change and any possible shifts 
  

Many also dislike the word feminism, even those who believe in and support the movement. This is because they believe it solely represents women and women empowerment, leaving out other genders in society. The reason the name has the word 'female' in it is due to history. The idea of the movement was indeed to fight for equal rights, and the name represents what women intend to do. It is also symbolic as it represents the history of feminist movements, beginning with the suffragettes during the Second World War, who fought avidly for the right to vote. Of course, all humans deserve equal rights, and the idea behind feminism is to fight for those rights and do away with gender stereotypes. The name does not mean the movement fights for the rights of women only and intends to take away rights from men, on the contrary. But the name is fundamental as it represents the long fight for equal rights that has occurred and is still occurring to this day.  
Feminism encompasses equal rights for all, as well as access to opportunities and the need to be respected as a human. It does not mean that either men or women are superior, but that none should be denied their rights. Human rights are not limited. Simply because one group is granted more rights, it does not mean other groups will be given less. The ideology is that all groups are treated with justice and equality. However, many say that because women are different from men in some aspects, they cannot be treated the "same", therefore feminism and the fight for equal rights are invalid. It is fundamental to state that "equal" does not mean "same". Equality refers to respect and access to equal opportunities, as well as not being denied human rights. Also, some believe that because men are biologically stronger than women, and therefore are superior and must have more opportunities. This argument is not altogether valid, as in the past, social hierarchy placed those who worked with agriculture in rural areas at the bottom. Nevertheless, these citizens likely had a much greater physical strength due to manual work and are still placed at the bottom.  
To understand one's view on feminism, it is important to ask questions such as what your personal views on the issue are to see where you stand and to be educated about the true intentions of the movement to be able to form an educated opinion.  ​