I'm new to feminism-some advice?

[LadyOfTheManor]

Hello,
I am studying English lit (phd) and the theme of "feminism" has crept up into some literature. Tbh I'm trying to get my head around it-there is an AIBU thread but it's a little over my head.

From what I gather, feminism is about being treated equally to men-as human beings-and the freedom of choice...?

Is that the underlying concept?

I was under the impression of...equal pay, the right to vote...etc made someone a feminist (sadly none of these things bother me too much)...the article in question is by Germaine Greer who stated that;

"Women can't really write poetry".

Now she is a feminist, which is why I'm a little "spun out".

Does she then say 'because of the patriarchy'? :)

Have no idea, it was clipped and given to me in a ring binder of other things said by other people....

What else is needed then? What makes it everything?

Are you sure you're doing a Ph.D in Engl Lit? That's a bit scary.

That sounded rude - I meant I was surprised it was possible to get to that point in Eng Lit with no knowledge of feminism, as it has been so important to critical theory.

Thanks Rhade, I'll check those out.

Erm, what's scary about it? Up until now I have read 15th and 16th century lit, where believe it or not, not many women feature.

I don't understand the feminism movement-but you assuming that I should know because I'm a woman shows the method of pre-conception.

I was surprised too. It has nothing to do with your sex and everything to do with you studying literature at PhD level.

FWIW I'm a medievalist and it would be impossible to reach PhD level in medieval literature without coming across feminist analysis of medieval texts.

It just hasn't been taught, and it's not something I'm remotely interested.

This section is on "contemp lit" (post modernism) so it's crept up, it's only for a fortnight so I thought I'd get a heads up.

In no way am I trying to be patronising, really, but I think there may be some confusion here - I don't think you mean PhD?

PhD's aren't taught, and don't have sections on different topics. :) Might be some confusion with different qualifications in different countries?

No it's a phd, and taught-well it's a 2 hour discussion one on one with a professor in the particular field. It's an optional discussion "time", but as I haven't come across this when I was doing my MA, I thought I'd better embark on the journey of "what is feminism"!

I didn't do my degree in the UK, just my MA and now this. Perhaps that's why?

MA was in creative writing, degree was in Eng. lit with creative writing.

We had modules (at degree level) and there was a "women in writing" course but I chose "modernism" over it. Maybe I just lost my chance...?!