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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

How 'feminist' are you on a sliding scale?

82 replies

DingDongMerrilyOutOfSeason · 13/07/2011 12:58

I consider myself a feminist to the extent that I believe in equality for women. However, I refer to myself as a girl (as in girls' night out), wax my ladygarden and stay at home with my DCs, although have worked part time in the past. I am pro-choice, although have to admit to judging certain circumstances in my head in the past but aloud I am always supportive, I believe in equal pay for women, I hate sexism and generally think that women should have the same opportunities and acceptance in society as men do.

Where does this put me on a scale? I have posted once or twice on feminism and all I seem to do is argue with myself! Maybe I think too deeply but I cannot get my head around why I do not always agree with feminist points of view. Is feminism generally about equality or is it more than that? I feel I am missing something...

OP posts:
joaninha · 13/07/2011 14:20

I think it's impossible to "resist femininity" if you're female and personally I wouldn't want to. I like to think of myself as feminine whether or not I shave, wear makeup, skirts, whatever. The simple fact that I am female makes me feminine.

lubeybooby · 13/07/2011 14:04

Middling to maybe just over.

I agree with many feminist issues at home and abroad and I'm gobsmacked by the lack of equality we still have and how girls/women are posed and portrayed in media and so much more than just that....but I personally wouldn't 'resist femininity' and I always wear make up and heels etc.

Reality · 13/07/2011 13:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

joaninha · 13/07/2011 13:53

I dunno about levels but I have a sneaking suspicion that I am a bit of a Socialist Feminist because I think the economic infrastructure we have makes it a hard for women to properly gain equality.

sunshineandbooks · 13/07/2011 13:26

I am definitely closer to the radical end than the liberal end because I believe most some parts of society need fundamental change to really make things equal for women.

Personally, I believe that anyone who believes in the role of SAHM is more radical than they might be aware of. While I want equality for women, I don't think this means 'exactly the same'. Instead of women just being given the the same opportunities as men, I want to see the roles that women have done throughout history elevated to the status they deserve. It would not be possible for some to chase the capitalist dream without others providing the unpaid labour on which that is built. I believe both are equally valuable and that men and women should be able to fall into whichever role suits them best including changing several times within their own lifetime.

ItsNotUnusual · 13/07/2011 13:15

I whole heartedly agree with the most radical of radical feminists even when the logic is taken to an 'extreme' point past my particular comfort zone.

However, I see that particular batch of feminists as pioneers. Blazing a trail, demolishing anything in their paths, attempting to civilise the wilderness of the prairies. Or something.

I'm the equivalent of 'I'll be there when the camps are set up, the wagons parked and the roads are less bumpy but shall I help you pack?'

I try to not beat myself up that I don't live up to the higher standards set by others and that I am bumbling along making a marginal net positive feminist difference.

I think it's important that I don't undermine those that make more of an effort / difference and wouldn't take it personally if anyone pointed out that I could do better.

So, self assessment at C+

LRDTheFeministNutcase · 13/07/2011 13:13

I don't think all the things you mention necessarily correlate to 'levels' of feminism. I think what's important about, say, radical feminism isn't having a hairy muff, it's feeling that the debate around whether or not women should change their bodies to suit society is important. So, a very 'soft' feminist might say 'oh, why do you care about such a trivial issue, it's just hair!' but a more radical feminist is more likely to think feminism pervades all areas of life.

Does that make sense?

I think it's only the last bit that determines whether or not someone is a feminist: 'I believe in equal pay for women, I hate sexism and generally think that women should have the same opportunities and acceptance in society as men do'.

Someone mentioned there are more SAHMs on this board than not, btw.

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