Feminist Theory and Liberal Feminists - Essay Example

The Feminist Theory Since antiquity hitherto, women continue to face different challenges in the face of the male dominant society. Gender- related issues, mostly affecting the female gender remain adamant in the society. Gender violence, oppression, and inequality among other issues have triggered the development of different theories that purpose on the elimination such issues for enhanced social life. The feminist theory is one of the theories developed to enhance gender relations and advocate for equality for both genders with a purpose to promote the well being of women. It analyses the influence of different issues within the society on the life of women. Issues such as social class, race and ethnicity, age, religion, and sexuality and their connection with gender form the basis of the formulation of feminist ideas and the propagation of these ideas in the quest for alleviation of gender inequality (Ballantine and Roberts 181). The exploration of the feminist theory, how and when it was developed, its purpose and impact on women with reference to real life examples is critical in offering substantial knowledge on gender issues. The wave of feminism developed from the struggle to liberate the female gender in all aspects of existence; socially, economically, and politically, legally, and psychologically. Prior to the rise of feminist scholars,women had suffered significantly from the perception of the female gender as a weaker lesser gender in comparison with their counterparts. This led to the development of gender-based violence (physical, emotional, and sexual among others),oppression, and gender inequality. However, from the 18th century through to the 20thcentury, feminists focused on the analysis of the way of life in the society, gender roles and relations, and the enlightenment of women. The mid-1900 saw a further development of the feminist ideas. During this period, feminists and propagators of the feminist ideas sought to liberate women to take part in different professions, to own property, to engage in their basic rights like in voting. Moreover, feminists strived to end gender-based violence, which was majorly propagated by the male gender, thus impacting immensely on the female gender (Scott 176). Most of the critical feminists of all time were women, though an equally great number of male feminists are known. However, all advocated different matters, but similar feminist thoughts and concepts. Depending on the concepts feminists held/hold, they can be grouped into five major groups. There exists liberal, social, and cultural feminists, radical, and diversity feminists. They collectively advocate the rights of women through the analysis of social issues and their interconnection to gender. For instance, they look at issues that affect both sexes directly like gender roles, stereotypes, relations and perceptions, gender inequality, differences and oppression among others. Through this they manage to enhance life for both sexes, their main focus being the betterment of the life of the female gender (Ballantine and Roberts 181). Liberal feminists strive to promote individual rights within the society. The achievement of this is directly connected to gender autonomy and the understanding of the differences that exist between the male and female genders. As such, while they advocate the rights of each person, liberal feminists focus on enhancing the society’s understanding of gender differences (Ballantine and Roberts 181). In doing so, they promote ideas/thoughts that accentuate gender equality in all aspects of existence. Though such ideas have in the recent past enhanced gender equality, inequality on the basis of gender continues to significantly affect women. For instance, women in the workplace and educational settings are discriminated and do not enjoy their right to equal opportunities as men. Liberal feminists focus on the liberation of women to take similar career paths as men, study the disciplines of their choice, and to live life to its fulfilment. In the present day, women in different cultures and religions like Islam are still confined to private spheres of work such as housework, childcare, and the sexual satisfaction of their husbands (Ballantine and Roberts 181). Similarly, social and cultural feminists focus on the liberation of women socially and culturally. They promote ideas that purpose on the creation of an effective platform for the disintegration of social structures that oppress people on the basis of their gender. As most social structures in the male dominated society seem unfavourable to women, these feminists advocate their eradication in order to enhance livelihood for all. However, even with all the efforts put in place, different cultures and religions limit the participation of women in economic, political, and social affairs. For example, women in Islam cannot wholly participate in political affairs, their consent to participate in several social issues like marriage is limited, and they are extensively oppressed by chauvinistic husbands. However, this is not always the case as Islam encourages love and care for women but some members still follow some rules that discriminate and oppress women (Ballantine and Roberts 181).Women in Islam continue to tolerate oppression from their husbands as the Quran distinctively demands for the obedience towards their husbands. This is also the case in other religions like Christianity. Social feminists focus on the alleviation of oppression directed towards women through the destruction of social structure that promote the issue. Structural oppression, the differences in gender, and inequality remain rampant in the society to this date. Women continue to suffer the consequences associated with the issues despite the promotion of equality, the struggle to liberate them psychologically, socially, economically, and politically. The level of discrimination, oppression, and inequality is dependent on issues such as culture, race, social class, and ethnicity. Women from cultures dominated by gender stereotypes and where people have a little understanding of gender differences suffer adversely. In addition, women are discriminated on the basis of their ethnicity, race, and social class across the world.For instance, Women of African or Asian descent in White societies are greatly discriminated on the basis of their ethnicity and race. As such, diversity and radical feminists focus on the promotion of international platforms for the elevation of feminist thoughts in order to save women from all cultures, religions, races, and ethnic origins from discrimination, oppression, and unequal treatment. In the recent past, the struggle of the feminists has impressively been a success (Ballantine and Roberts 182). In conclusion, there is a need for the society to adopt the feminist theory and to implement most of the ideas therein, which can influence social life positively. Since the feminist thoughts/ideas started to form a part of the society, the society has benefited a great deal from the enhancement of gender relations and gender differences. This has led to the alleviation of gender oppression and inequality, and the destruction of social structures that promoted their development. However, it is important to understand that women continue to experience difference adverse challenges elsewhere around the globe. There is a need to promote feminist ideas to liberate them from oppression emanating from the culture, religions, stereotypes, and beliefs people hold. Nevertheless, it is important to proceed with caution to ensure that in the betterment of the life of women that of men is not compromised or neglected. Works Cited Ballantine, Jeanne H. and Keith A. Roberts. Our Social World: Introduction to Sociology. New York: SAGE Publications, 2013. Scott, Joan Wallach. Feminism and History. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. Read More