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. Postmoderngender 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." (TiGrace 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 (cant 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. Womens 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 womens 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 (Lecriture 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