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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think this idea of feminism has been totally misinterpreted?

36 replies

Goonie1 · 27/08/2025 10:25

Moved from chat for more traffic.

What does the term feminism mean to you?
I ask because in a conversation at work yesterday (with a male) he said it goes so far as meaning not offering physical help to females (eg heavy lifting, physically demanding chores) even if they look like they might need help or indeed ask for help. If they’re a feminist, they shouldn’t want male help was the line of thought.

To me that’s just madness! If I saw someone less physically able, male or female, I’d help them because it’s the right thing to do. Feminism doesn’t even come into it!
Needless to say, I have a very different idea of what feminism is compared to this guy and in my opinion, he needs to learn what feminism really stands for.

OP posts:
HairOil · 19/11/2025 16:10

GCAcademic · 27/08/2025 10:46

Your colleague has chosen to interpret feminism in a way that conveniences him.

This.

HairOil · 19/11/2025 16:12

BountifulPantry · 19/11/2025 16:09

Feminism means a belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

Simple definition from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Yes. I mean, it’s not that complicated. Ask him why his main takeaway is that feminism involves him saving himself effort

BountifulPantry · 19/11/2025 16:13

HairOil · 19/11/2025 16:12

Yes. I mean, it’s not that complicated. Ask him why his main takeaway is that feminism involves him saving himself effort

Or save your peace a choose not to respond! 😂

attichoarder · 19/11/2025 16:20

I think the term feminist or feminism has been misinterpreted in a whole host of ways. In the example you give I can see how the man in question may have arrived at this view as in the past he may well have offered help of various things in various ways and then is berated for it. If someone was struggling with something male or female it would be kind/polite to offer help. In other ways feminism has been interpreted as holding specific views. I for example don't believe in abortion and have been told on these threads I cannot be a feminist because of this. This has led me to the opinion that I would not want to call myself a feminist despite the fact that if you looked at my life/career/etc etc without knowing that you would say that I would definite be a feminist. I believe feminism encompasses a spectrum of views but not every one thinks that way

TheDearPlumOrca · 19/11/2025 16:34

I've seen a number of people on YouTube and I think much of it comes from Tiktok with women who seem to think the feminist movement fought for the right for women to work and have DC are now complaining about how hard it is working and having children.

They seem to think that 'before feminism' all women with DC stayed at home and don't understand that certainly in the working classes, most women always worked even with DC and the feminism movement was about rights to working equality in terms of pay and career progression rather than the right TO work!

TheDearPlumOrca · 19/11/2025 16:37

I've seen a number of people on YouTube and I think much of it comes from Tiktok with women who seem to think the feminist movement fought for the right for women to work and have DC are now complaining about how hard it is working and having children.

They seem to think that 'before feminism' all women with DC stayed at home and don't understand that certainly in the working classes, most women always worked even with DC and the feminism movement was about rights to working equality in terms of pay and career progression rather than the right TO work!

Edit - they seem to feel betrayed by 'feminism' as think it made women have to have jobs and not be 'housewives'.

Hotblack · Yesterday 19:21

What do you think Feminism really stands for? Because here's the problem: if you're going back to the first wave definition - well, it's all been achieved in the west. There's no point being a distinct political movement to achieve political goals that have already been realised. So, what is Feminism to you?

Thepeopleversuswork · Yesterday 21:30

Idiot blokes have been twisting the definition of feminism to suit their narrative for decades. See also:

You can’t be a feminist if you shave your legs
You can’t be a feminist and be attracted to men
You can’t be a feminist if you don’t have a job

etc ad nauseam.

It just demonstrates that that cynical men will always twist its logic to suit their needs when they can.

Next time try saying: “You can’t be a real man if you’re losing an argument with a woman about feminism.” Equally ridiculous logic, hoist him by his pathetic petard.

JLou08 · Yesterday 23:46

It's women having equal opportunities. Receiving the same respect as men, being able to receive the same pay and promotions based on their skill not their sex, having choices over their own life rather, having autonomy of their own body.
I'm a woman, I'd help a man who was struggling and I'd help a woman who was struggling and I'd expect men to do the same if they're able, I'd hold the door for a man or woman behind me.

RuthandPen · Yesterday 23:50

ChickenThigh · 27/08/2025 10:32

Lots of men (and women) twist feminism way beyond what it actually is in order to discredit women.

The only current strain of feminism that is largely accepted is the one that says men can be women, men need porn, sex work is empowering etc. ie it’s the feminism that centres and benefits men. Funny that.

Exactly. I mean, this man you spoke to isn’t some kind of spokesperson for feminism.

Pistachiocake · Yesterday 23:56

Knowing I'm just as capable of earning money so not expecting men to always pay. Treating people with respect, while showing awareness of difficulties. Equality of opportunity where possible (eg women might need different safety clothes to men). Being willing to be friends with and spend time with people of equal sex, and welcoming both (except in protected spaces).
Offering to help lift/opening a door? Would do it for anyone.

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