Assignment # 0

 Submitted by: Seerat Gul (06)

 Course title: Gender and IR
 Department: Politics & International Relations
 Program: BS (International Relations)
 Semester: 5th
 Submitted b : Dr Imran
 Variants of Feminism

Introduction:
Feminism is the belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power, and opportunities
as men and be treated in the same way, or the set of activities intended to achieve this state.
There are many different kinds of feminism and feminists themselves tend to disagree about the
ways in which women are disadvantaged and what exactly should be done to get equal rights.
Variants of feminism are as follow.
Liberal feminism:
Liberal feminism originates from the liberal political theory, inspired by French Revolution, and
Focuses mainly on equality. It is derived from the liberal political philosophy with the core ideas
of autonomy, universal rights, equal citizenship, and democracy. According to liberal feminists,
Society has a false belief that women are, by nature, less intellectually and physically capable
than men. Liberal feminism emerged in the late 19 th and early 20th centuries. It primarily focuses
on women’s legal and political rights, aiming for equality within existing social and political
structures. Liberal feminists advocate for equal opportunities, pay, and representation in the
workforce and political institutions. They seek to challenge gender-based discrimination through
legal reform and policy changes.
Marxist Feminism:
Marxist feminism, rooted in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, evolved in the mid-
20th century. It’s concerned with the intersection of class and gender. Marxist feminists argue
that capitalism perpetuates gender inequality by exploiting women’s labor. They seek to address
economic and class structures as a means to tackle gender disparities. Marxist feminists have
observed that oppression on women is visible in home Environment, workplace, and social life
due to economic, social, and business reasons .They believe that women are oppressed by
capitalism and gender inequality will vanish when capitalism is replaced by socialism .
Social Feminism:
Social feminism gained prominence in the late 19 th century and early 20th century. It focuses on
the societal aspects of gender inequality. Social feminists emphasize changing social norms and
attitudes towards gender roles. They seek to dismantle traditional gender expectations and create
a more inclusive and equitable society. Socialist feminism has evolved through the three goals:
i) it analyzes the exploitation of women as a result of the two interconnected aspects of
patriarchy and capitalism, ii) it provides extensive social analysis methods to realize historical
materialism, iii) it shows the need for significant Ideas in material analysis to determine human
affairs.
Radical Feminism:
The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of radical feminism. It’s characterized by its radical critique of
patriarchy and its origins. Radical feminists argue that patriarchy is the root of women’s
oppression. They often advocate for the complete overhaul of existing societal structures and the
creation of a female-centered society. Radical feminists see the society as patriarchal, and it is
dominated and ruled by men, i.e. men ere ruling class, and women are the subject class.
Moreover, they believe that women are not just equal but are actually morally superior to men
and patriarchy can be replaced by matriarchy. They want to transform the women life and the
society through radical actions
Eco-Feminism:
Eco-feminism emerged in the 1970s. It explores the connection between environmental and
gender issues. Eco-feminists assert that there’s a link between the exploitation of nature and the
subjugation of women. They advocate for both environmental conservation and women’s rights.
Cultural Feminism:
Cultural feminism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. It emphasizes the celebration of feminine
qualities and achievements. Cultural feminists promote the idea that traditional “female” values,
like nurturing and compassion, should be valued and integrated into society. They aim to elevate
women’s contributions to culture and society.
Black Feminism:
Black feminism has its roots in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ‘80s. It emerged as a
response to the marginalization of Black women within the broader feminist movement. Black
feminists address the intersection of race and gender. They emphasize the unique struggles faced
by Black women and advocate for their full inclusion in feminist discourse.Faminist African-
American writer Alice Walker coined the term “Womanism” in 1979 to describe an
intersectional alternative to White feminism. In 1982, her novel “The Color Purple” is published
where she used “Womanist” to describe the black feminist movement.
Postmodern Feminism:
Postmodern feminism developed in the late 20 th century as an offshoot of postmodernism, a
philosophical and cultural movement. Postmodern feminists question fixed categories and
identities, including those related to gender. They critique grand narratives and focus on
individual experiences, diversity, and fluidity. Postmodern feminism rests heavily on social
Constructivist theories arguing that gender is a construct of language, or discourse. It seeks to
develop a new paradigm of social criticism that does not rely on traditional philosophical
reinforcements and emphasizes the relations of the feminism issues to he languages, sex, and
power. Postmodern feminists reject a common feminist position and support a plurality of
perspectives on knowing, such as essentialism, philosophy, and universal truths.
Conclusion:
These feminist movements have diverse origins and aims, reflecting the complexity of gender
issues. Over time, feminism has evolved to encompass a wide range of perspectives and
approaches, all united by the goal of addressing gender inequality and striving for a more
equitable and inclusive society. It’s important to note that each of these movements has played a
significant role in shaping the ongoing struggle for gender equality, with their contributions
continuing to influence the feminist discourse of today.