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FEMINISM. Dr Riffat Haque 13.09.2011. Feminism is a Belief. Definition of Feminism-- It is an awareness of women’s: Oppression Subordination Marginalization Discrimination. Exploitation in society e.g. family, work… Conscious action by women & men to change women’s situation.
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FEMINISM Dr RiffatHaque 13.09.2011
Feminism is a Belief Definition of Feminism-- It is an awareness of women’s: • Oppression • Subordination • Marginalization • Discrimination. • Exploitation in society e.g. family, work… • Conscious action by women & men to change women’s situation.
Feminism may be understood as: • Feminism is a belief that women universally face some form of oppression or exploitation. • Feminism is a social movement to change the position of women. • Feminism is a commitment to uncover & understand the causes of oppression & it also commits to work individually & collectively to end authoritarianism.
Feminism is a politics- directed at changing existing power relations & subject positions between women & men in society. Power relations include e.g. family, education, welfare, employment, politics, legislation, culture, religion etc. • Feminism is a theory- system of concepts, analysis & proposals that describe & explain women’s situations & experiences & support recommendations about how to improve them.
Feminist is a person who:- • Holds that women suffer discrimination. • Advance women’s interests. • Advocacy of the claims of women. • Support that women have specific needs which remain neglected. • Support need of radical change in the social, economic, political & legal orders.
So a feminist is any one who recognizes the existence of discrimination on the basis of gender (sexes) , male dominance & patriarchy & who takes some action against it.
Feminists are those who dare to break the conspiracy of silence about the oppressive, unequal relationship between men and women, and who want to change it ( Encyclopedia of Feminism 1987). • Whether eastern or western, basically all feminist pursuits are aimed at acquiring rights for women from the society to which they belong.
Contours of Feminism • No specific abstract definition. • No single theoretical framework/conceptualization. • Is flexible. • Is Fluid. • It changes with history, cultural realities & levels of consciousness. • It varies from country to country & within a country there can be various concepts based on class, education, ethnicity etc • Feminism of 1970’s is different from that of 1980’s and 2011….
AGENDA OF FEMINISM It has many dimensions including: • Analysis of gender roles. • Patriarchy. • Class struggle. • National liberation. • Poverty & Development. • Dowry killing. • Violence against women. • Religious exploitation. • ………………………………………