Love and Desire -A Sober Approach to Gender Equity - Essay Example

 Love and Desire Essay-A Sober Approach to Gender Equity Thesis: A Sober Approach to Gender Equity Christine Hoff Sommers is perhaps one of the most rational feminists, although her views were largely disregarded by the radical feminists who to date look at her as an anti-feminist. From a neutral perspective, Sommers appears as one focused on ensuring equity and not one who seeks to establish a ‘matriarchal’ society. A keen look at radical feminism at its height illustrates a struggle which was not only aimed at achieving equal opportunities for women but one that also sought to overturn the ‘sexual balance of society’. It was more of an attempt to subject men to women. Sommers recognized this and rose against it as subjection was not the aim but assimilation and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across all sexes. There is perhaps no single statement that captures her ideas in entirety as the provided argument. This study seeks to explicate the meaning of her argument and the means she uses to present this argument. At the same time, the study also attempts to offer a personal view on the accuracy, and persuasiveness of the reasons she offers in support of her conclusions. Additionally, the study also traces the quality and accuracy of her argument when representing the views of an average woman and while discrediting the views of radical feminists. Lastly, we weigh her view against a probable response or view by staunch radical feminists such as Marilyn Friedman. In general, the study hopes to dissect her thoughts and weigh them against common thoughts and ideas on feminism as a means of cultivating a sober approach towards achieving gender equity. As a start, it is important to understand Sommers argument. This is one that starts with discrediting the views of radical feminists who consider feminism as a representation of two extremes, sexism and assimilation. In understanding these terms, sexism is discrimination based on sex largely defined by long held stereotypes and traditions. On the other hand, assimilation refers to absorption of the minority by the majority to create a harmonious unit. In this regard, we can understand radical feminism as a fight to absorb the female gender into mainstream masculine activities as a means of fighting existent stereotypes on female inferiority. Sommers views this extreme as misguided as a woman can be free of these stereotypical and oppressive situations and still retain her feminine nature, simply, she does not have to fight to be a ‘man’. In trying to underline this argument, that a woman can enjoy her feminine nature without taking on the roles and mind frames of men, she cites what would satisfy an average woman. She notes that, an average woman is one who would derive utmost satisfaction from bearing children, having ample time to care for these children, having fair opportunities and being treated equally with their male counterparts. In summary, she notes that irrespective of the simplicity of these demands, it is still difficult for women to achieve them. It is at this point that she acknowledges that indeed a struggle must ensue for the average woman to achieve these goals. However, she is categorical that such dreams and aspirations cannot be achieved if they are sought through radical means. According to Sommers, a radical approach only underlines furtherance of false consciousness, one that is far from the actual concerns and priorities of a majority of women. This is understandable as a radical means represents a reactive force and not a reasonable force. In essence, a fight for fair inclusion of women is not a fight that can solely be won by women but one that also requires the input and participation of men. Having this in mind, it is quite apparent that men would be open to a reasonable means as opposed to a radical means. It is quite clear that Sommers’s argument is guided by this sobering reality. Having understood her assessment it is clear that it emanates from an informed view of various factors that are not only based on needs and ideas of women but also the means of achieving these goals. At this point, there is nothing to suggest that hers is a misconstrued thought. This greatly supports her argument as both objective and very clear. The clarity and objectivity of her argument helps in persuading the reader, whether female or not, that radical feminism is an unreasonable ideology. This thought is confirmed by the views of other feminist thinkers who argue that radical feminism fast evolved to ‘cultural feminism’. Cultural feminism views the primary goal of feminism as freeing women from the imposition of so-called “male values” and creating an alternative culture based on “female values” (Willis 1984). In addition, Sommers argument is further sustained by her reference to the fundamental goals of an average woman. In my own view, an average woman is a representation of a sober woman, one not laden with radical thoughts and intent on realistic goals. This is a woman who understands her role in society and one who’s goals and dreams in life is not fazed by existent stereotypes or conduct of men. In essence, this is a woman who seeks to play out her natural role as a mother and wife, and one who aims to competitively provide for her children. This means that she at least hopes to have a fair share, equitable to men, of the resources and opportunities available in our society. In this regard, yes, it is clear that Sommers correctly characterizes the average woman. In doing so, she clearly and decisively speaks against the ideologies of the radical feminist movement which are unlikely to help achieve the aforementioned goals. Marilyn Friedman, having been a feminist and most importantly a critical thinker would arguably understand Sommers view. However, this would not guarantee her support given her hard-line stance on the means and approaches of achieving a ‘woman’s liberation’. She would be less compromising and would to some extent consider Sommers as one who is unlikely to emancipate the female gender from patriarchal practices. In conclusion, Sommers passes as a diligent, thoughtful and realistic thinker. Comparing her thoughts and the ideologies furthered by the radical feminist movements it is clear that hers are more in touch with the realities manifest in our society. It is quite apparent, that if the ideologies of radical feminism were to record any significant impact such impact would have been felt by now. Given this reality, it is my position that a more reasonable and realistic approach would have had a greater impact. Such an approach is one defined and explained by Sommers in the provided argument. Reference Willis, E. (1984). Radical Feminism and Feminist Radicalism. Social Text Vol. 9 (10) , 91-118. Read More