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Feminist Theories. By: Alysha Kurz, Tracy Ochs, Becky Kuhlow, and Jeremiah Tetzlaff Tuesday 5:30 10/28/08. Feminist Theory. Attempt to revise/reformulate/rethink aspects of traditional western ethics that devalue women’s moral experience. History of Feminism in USA. Women’s Suffrage
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Feminist Theories By: Alysha Kurz, Tracy Ochs, Becky Kuhlow, and Jeremiah Tetzlaff Tuesday 5:30 10/28/08
Feminist Theory Attempt to revise/reformulate/rethink aspects of traditional western ethics that devalue women’s moral experience
History of Feminism in USA • Women’s Suffrage • First action to increase women’s power • Major leader was Susan B Anthony • Fought and got women’s ability to vote • Government’s Empowerment 1941-1945 • Pushed for more women working • National Icon “Rosie the Riveter” • Feminist movement during 1960-1980 • Fought inequalities in law and culture • Viewed as a failure • Feminist movement during 1990-Present • Caused by failure of first movement • Fights against same inequalities
A Leader of Theory Alison Jaggar
Alison Jaggar Found 5 ways traditional western ethics don’t help women • 1) Little concern for women’s interest and rights • 2) Dismiss the private world or home life • 3) Women aren’t developed morally as men • 4) Overvalues men’s cultural traits • 5) Favors masculine ways of reasoning
A Leader of Theory Carol Gilligan
Carol Gilligan • Stresses that traditional western moral theories • Response to Freudian notion • Women’s moral difference from men
Founder of “Difference Feminism” Believe men and women think/act differently
Criticisms of Carol Gilligan • Christian Hoff Sommers • Failed to produce data • Gilligan used anecdotal evidence • Unable to duplicate work • Sample was too small • Tests on Gender Studies by other fields
Ethical Dilemmas of Today Abortion Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Abortion Does the woman have ethical obligations to the fetus? Is it ethical to force a woman to carry a pregnancy to term? Does the woman have ethical obligations to the father? Is it ethical to give birth to an unwanted child?
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace • Definition • Sexualized environments • Evolution of treatment of women in the workplace • Examples of sexual harassment situations • Women in the military • Anita Hill Vs. Clarence Thomas
Criticism of Feminism Theory of Caring • Caring is case by case • Destroys Ethical system • Based on women’s experiences and tendencies • Feminist criticize other theories are male based
Review Name the leaders. What are Gilligan’s three stages of moral development? How many faults did Jaggar find in western ethics?