1- Is feminism still relevant?

Feminism is the movement that advocates for gender equality and the
dismantling of patriarchal structures that oppress women. It has come a
long way since its inception in the late 18th century, and its impact can
be felt in all areas of society, from politics and the workplace to the
media and popular culture. But why is feminism still relevant? Well, the
answer is simple. Feminism seeks to create a world where all genders
have equal opportunities and access to resources, regardless of their
biological sex. It aims to challenge and change societal norms that have
kept women from achieving their full potential for centuries.

Feminism is still relevant because gender inequality and discrimination

persist in many forms and contexts, both in the Global North and the
Global South. Women still face barriers and biases in education, health,
employment, income, representation, and decision-making. They also
experience various forms of violence and harassment, such as domestic
abuse, sexual assault, and online trolling. Moreover, women's rights and
freedoms are often threatened by conservative and reactionary forces
that seek to roll back the gains of feminism and impose patriarchal
values and practices.

Feminism is also still relevant because it offers a critical perspective on

the multiple and intersecting forms of oppression and injustice that affect
not only women, but also other marginalized groups, such as people of
color, LGBTQ+ people, indigenous people, and people with disabilities.
Feminism recognizes that gender is not an isolated category, but rather
one that interacts with other social identities and structures, such as race,
class, sexuality, and nationality. Feminism also acknowledges that
different women have different experiences and needs, depending on
their context and positionality. Therefore, feminism strives for diversity,
inclusion, and solidarity among women and other oppressed groups, and
advocates for a radical and transformative social change that benefits
everyone.

In conclusion, feminism is still relevant because it is not only a

movement for women's rights, but also a vision for a more just and
equitable world. Feminism challenges the status quo and proposes
alternative ways of thinking, living, and relating. Feminism is not a
monolithic or static ideology, but rather a dynamic and evolving one that
adapts to the changing times and contexts. Feminism is not a thing of the
past, but a living and breathing force that continues to inspire and
empower people of all genders and backgrounds.

2- Do we live in a heterocentric world?

A heterocentric world is a world that assumes, promotes, and values

heterosexuality as the norm and superior form of sexual orientation,
while marginalizing, discriminating, and stigmatizing other forms of
sexual diversity, such as homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgenderism.
Heterocentrism is a form of heterosexism, which is a system of attitudes,
bias, and prejudice against sexual minorities.

Do we live in a heterocentric world? The answer may depend on the

perspective, location, and context of the person who is asking or
answering the question. However, some possible indicators of
heterocentrism in the world are:

- The legal and civil rights of sexual minorities are not recognized or
protected in many countries and regions. For example, same-sex
marriage is still illegal in most of the world, and homosexuality is
criminalized and punishable by death in some countries.
- The social and cultural norms and expectations of sexual minorities are
often ignored, invalidated, or ridiculed by the dominant heterosexual
majority. For example, sexual minorities may face harassment, bullying,
violence, rejection, or isolation from their families, peers, communities,
or workplaces because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- The health and well-being of sexual minorities are often compromised
or neglected by the heterocentric medical and psychological systems.
For example, sexual minorities may experience higher rates of mental
health problems, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and suicide due to the
stress and stigma of living in a heterocentric world. They may also face
barriers to accessing quality and inclusive health care services that meet
their specific needs.

These are some of the examples of how heterocentrism affects the lives
of sexual minorities in the world. However, it is important to note that
heterocentrism is not a static or monolithic phenomenon, but rather a
dynamic and complex one that varies across time, space, and context.
Therefore, the degree and impact of heterocentrism may differ
depending on the historical, political, economic, religious, and cultural
factors that shape the attitudes and behaviors of individuals, groups, and
institutions.
Moreover, heterocentrism is not only harmful to sexual minorities, but
also to heterosexuals and society as a whole. Heterocentrism limits the
diversity and expression of human sexuality and gender, and imposes
rigid and unrealistic roles and expectations on people based on their
biological sex. Heterocentrism also perpetuates the oppression and
inequality of other marginalized groups, such as women, racial and
ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, by reinforcing the binary
and hierarchical structures of power and privilege.

Therefore, it is essential to challenge and change the heterocentric

worldview that dominates the world, and to create a more inclusive and
respectful world that values and celebrates the diversity and dignity of
all human beings, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity.

3- What role does domestic division of labor play in creating gender

role?

The domestic division of labor refers to the allocation of tasks, roles, and
duties within the household, usually based on gender. The domestic
division of labor plays a significant role in creating and reinforcing
gender roles, which are the socially constructed expectations and norms
associated with being male or female. Gender roles influence how
people behave, think, feel, and relate to others in various domains of life,
such as family, work, education, and leisure.
The domestic division of labor is often unequal and gendered, meaning
that women tend to perform more unpaid and undervalued work at
home, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and childcare, while men tend
to perform more paid and valued work outside the home, such as earning
income, pursuing careers, and engaging in politics. This unequal and
gendered division of labor has several effects on the formation and
maintenance of gender roles, such as:

- It reinforces the stereotype that women are naturally suited for

domestic and caring work, while men are naturally suited for public and
productive work. This stereotype limits the choices and opportunities of
both women and men, and creates a hierarchy of power and status
between them.
- It creates a dependency and power imbalance between women and
men, as women rely on men for economic security and men rely on
women for domestic services. This dependency and power imbalance
can lead to the exploitation and oppression of women, as well as the
alienation and stress of men.
- It affects the socialization and development of children, who learn
gender roles from observing and imitating their parents and other role
models. Children may internalize the gendered division of labor as
natural and normal, and reproduce it in their own lives and relationships.
- It influences the distribution of resources and rewards between women
and men, as women's unpaid and undervalued work is often invisible
and unrecognized, while men's paid and valued work is often visible and
rewarded. This influences the access and control of women and men
over material and symbolic goods, such as money, property, education,
health, and recognition.
The domestic division of labor is not fixed or inevitable, but rather a
social and historical construct that changes over time and across
cultures. Factors such as technology, economy, education, religion, and
social movements can affect the domestic division of labor and the
associated gender roles. For example, the introduction of labor-saving
devices, such as washing machines and microwaves, can reduce the
amount of time and effort required for domestic work, and potentially
increase the participation of men in household chores. Similarly, the
increase of women's labor force participation, education, and political
representation can challenge the traditional gender roles and create more
opportunities and choices for women and men in both the domestic and
public spheres. Therefore, the domestic division of labor and the gender
roles are not static or monolithic, but rather dynamic and complex
phenomena that vary across time, space, and context.

4- Why are feminist committed to change the patriarchal

order?

Feminists are committed to change the patriarchal order because they

believe that it is a system of oppression and inequality that harms
women and other marginalized groups. Feminists argue that patriarchy is
not natural or inevitable, but rather a social and historical construct that
can and should be challenged and transformed. Some of the reasons why
feminists want to change the patriarchal order are:

- To achieve the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.

Feminists contend that women are systematically discriminated against
and excluded from positions of power and privilege in a patriarchal
society. They advocate for women's rights and interests, such as the right
to vote, to education, to work, to health, to bodily autonomy, and to
freedom from violence and harassment. They also seek to eliminate the
gender pay gap, the glass ceiling, the double burden, and other forms of
gender-based injustice and exploitation.
- To challenge the gender stereotypes and norms that limit the choices
and opportunities of both women and men. Feminists criticize the
patriarchal ideology that assigns rigid and unrealistic roles and
expectations to people based on their biological sex. They argue that
gender is a social and cultural construct that varies across time, space,
and context, and that people should be free to express their gender
identity and sexuality in diverse and authentic ways. They also oppose
the patriarchal values that devalue femininity and celebrate masculinity,
such as aggression, competition, domination, and violence.
- To recognize and celebrate the diversity and intersectionality of
women's experiences and perspectives. Feminists acknowledge that
women are not a homogeneous group, but rather have different identities
and backgrounds that shape their lives and struggles. They emphasize
the importance of including and empowering women of color,
Indigenous women, LGBTQ+ women, disabled women, immigrant and
refugee women, and other marginalized women who face multiple and
intersecting forms of oppression and discrimination in a patriarchal
society. They also strive to create solidarity and alliances among women
and other oppressed groups to resist and transform the patriarchal order.

5- How do first and second wave feminism differ in terms of

their strategies? :
First and second wave feminism differ in terms of their strategies in
several ways. First, they had different main goals and focuses. First
wave feminism aimed to secure legal rights for women, especially the
right to vote, while second wave feminism sought to challenge the social
and cultural norms that limited women's roles and opportunities in
various spheres of life. Second, they used different methods and tactics
to achieve their goals. First wave feminism relied mostly on lobbying,
petitioning, and campaigning for legislative and constitutional reforms,
such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the 19th Amendment in the US.
Second wave feminism employed a more diverse and radical range of
strategies, such as direct action, mass mobilization, consciousness-
raising, litigation, and media activism, to address issues such as
reproductive rights, domestic violence, workplace discrimination, and
sexual liberation. Third, they had different levels of inclusivity and
diversity. First wave feminism was largely dominated by white, middle-
class, educated women who often ignored or excluded the perspectives
and experiences of women of color, working-class women, and
LGBTQ+ women. Second wave feminism attempted to be more
intersectional and pluralistic, recognizing and celebrating the diversity
and complexity of women's identities and struggles across race, class,
sexuality, and nationality. However, second wave feminism also faced
internal conflicts and criticisms over its representation and agenda.

In conclusion, first and second wave feminism differed in terms of their

strategies because they emerged in different historical, political, and
social contexts, and they responded to different challenges and
opportunities. Both waves contributed to the advancement of women's
rights and interests, but they also had their limitations and shortcomings.
 6- How do first and second wave differ in their contribution to
feminist theory ?

First and second wave feminism differ in their contribution to feminist

theory in several ways. First, they had different main concepts and
perspectives. First wave feminism focused on the idea of legal equality
and human rights for women, especially the right to vote. It was
influenced by liberal and Enlightenment principles, such as
individualism, rationality, and universalism. It also adopted a biological
essentialist view of gender, assuming that women and men are naturally
different but equal. Second wave feminism challenged the idea of legal
equality as sufficient and expanded the scope of feminist issues to
include sexuality, family, work, culture, and violence. It was influenced
by various theoretical frameworks, such as Marxism, psychoanalysis,
poststructuralism, and postcolonialism. It also adopted a social
constructivist view of gender, arguing that gender is a product of social
and cultural norms and expectations, and that women and men are not
homogeneous categories.

Second, they had different methods and approaches. First wave

feminism relied mostly on formal and institutional channels, such as
lobbying, petitioning, and campaigning for legislative and constitutional
reforms. It also used public speeches, pamphlets, and newspapers to
spread its message and mobilize support. It aimed to achieve its goals
through legal and political means, such as the 19th Amendment in the
US and the Representation of the People Act in the UK. Second wave
feminism employed a more diverse and radical range of strategies, such
as direct action, mass mobilization, consciousness-raising, litigation, and
media activism. It also used personal testimonies, manifestos, books, and
magazines to articulate its ideas and demands. It aimed to achieve its
goals through social and cultural means, such as the Equal Rights
Amendment in the US and the Abortion Act in the UK.

Third, they had different impacts and outcomes. First wave feminism
succeeded in securing some legal rights and opportunities for women,
such as the right to vote, to own property, to access education, and to
participate in public life. It also contributed to the emergence of a new
social identity and role for women, such as the New Woman and the
flapper. However, it also faced some limitations and criticisms, such as
its exclusion of women of color, working-class women, and LGBTQ+
women, its neglect of other forms of oppression and discrimination, and
its reinforcement of gender stereotypes and norms. Second wave
feminism succeeded in challenging some social and cultural barriers and
inequalities for women, such as sexual harassment, domestic violence,
workplace discrimination, and reproductive rights. It also contributed to
the development of a diverse and complex feminist theory and politics,
such as radical feminism, socialist feminism, black feminism, lesbian
feminism, and ecofeminism. However, it also faced some challenges and
controversies, such as its internal conflicts and divisions, its backlash
and resistance from conservative and patriarchal forces, and its
adaptation and co-optation by neoliberal and capitalist agendas.