In the last blogpost, I cleared up a few definitions within the topic of feminism. But as this field is so broad, here are some more…
Different Types of Feminism
Feminism is not an undifferentiated movement but rather an umbrella term including various perspectives and ideologies. For example, liberal feminism focuses on achieving equality through legal and political reforms of the current social systems, by changing it with e.g. equal pay and reproductive rights rather than an overhaul of the systems (Guy-Evans, 2024). Radical feminism, on the other hand, empathizes on the patriarchal structures that perpetuate gender inequality, often critiquing traditional family roles and societal norms. Therefore, radical feminists are often sceptical if there can be an effect in changing the current systems and politics (Johnson Lewis, 2020). Intersectional feminism emphasizes the overlapping systems of oppression that affect individuals, such as racism, sexism, and classism. It was coined recognizing that the experience of a Black woman differs significantly from that of a white woman (UN women, 2020). Other branches include socialist feminism, which critiques capitalism’s role in sustaining gender inequality and how patriarchy and capitalism are interconnected forms of oppression and exploitation of women (MasterClass, 2020); and ecofeminism, which connects the exploitation of women to the exploitation of nature and argue that women around the world are more affected by the consequences of climate change (Bamberg, 2023).
Intersectionality
Introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality is an essential framework for understanding how different forms of oppression intersect and compound each other (Crenshaw, 1991). For example, a woman who is both Black and LGBTQ+ faces unique challenges that cannot be addressed only by focusing on sexism or racism in isolation. Intersectionality ensures that feminism is inclusive and accounts for the diverse experiences of all women. Without it, we risk ignoring people who face multiple types of unfair treatment, which goes against the inequalities feminism is trying to fix (Hawk & Sharkey, 2016).
Femicide
One of the gravest manifestations of gender inequality is femicide, the intentional killing of women because they are women. This extreme form of violence is often rooted in misogyny and is disturbingly common in many parts of the world. For example, a study by UN Women (2023) has revealed that in 2023, 140 femicides happened a day, which is a woman being killed by intimate partners or as a result of systemic violence every 10 minutes. Recognizing and addressing femicide is crucial in the fight for gender equality, as it underscores the deadly consequences of unchecked misogyny.
Misogyny & Misandry
Misogyny and misandry are terms that often come up in conversations about gender equality and I have also used them before, but their definitions and relevance within feminism deserve clarification. Misogyny refers to the hatred, dislike, or prejudice against women and often manifests in systemic oppression, gender-based violence, and societal norms that devalue women (Kendall, 2019). On the other hand, misandry describes the hatred or prejudice against men, often expressed through stereotyping or resentment (Oxford Dictionary, 2023). While both represent harmful attitudes, it’s important to note their contexts: misogyny is deeply ingrained in societal structures and has widespread, institutionalized consequences, whereas misandry typically arises in interpersonal or cultural settings and lacks the same systemic impact (Greene, 2022).
In the context of feminism, it’s crucial to address both misogyny and misandry, as the goal of feminism is not to reverse oppression or create new power imbalances. Instead, it’s about achieving equity and dismantling harmful systems that hurt everyone. Misandry, while sometimes a reaction to lived experiences of misogyny, does not align with feminist values. Feminism emphasizes accountability rather than blame, encouraging men and women alike to reject toxic gender norms. By confronting misogyny’s systemic roots and addressing the frustrations that sometimes lead to misandry, feminism creates space for mutual understanding and respect, ensuring that gender equality benefits everyone.
Why Do We (Still) Need Feminism?
After reading and knowing about the history of feminism, there is voices asking why feminism is even still necessary nowadays. Unfortunately, it is. But let’s start with the positive: Thanks to the movement, the recognition of the topic like gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination has greatly increased and movements like #metoo have given victims a voice and changed the way, society talks about consent and responsibility (Joshi, 2023).
The need for feminism becomes clear when you look at both the obvious and the more hidden examples of gender inequality that still exist in our world.
Despite growing awareness of gender equality, there are still glaring issues that underline the necessity of feminism in 2024. Online harassment remains rampant, with women facing abuse, revenge porn, and deepfake violations that threaten their safety and privacy. Reproductive rights are under attack in many regions, limiting women’s autonomy over their bodies. Domestic violence and the rise of coercive control reveal how systemic issues continue to trap women in unsafe environments. In healthcare, medical gaslighting leads to misdiagnosis and neglect of women’s health concerns. Climate change exacerbates gender inequality, disproportionately affecting women in vulnerable communities. Workplace discrimination, including promotion bias and harassment, continues to hold women back, especially those from marginalized groups. Leadership positions remain dominated by men, with women underrepresented in politics and business. Finally, menstrual inequity persists, as stigma and lack of access to menstrual products continue to impact women worldwide. These pressing issues demonstrate why feminism remains vital today.
But it doesn’t stop there. Some forms of inequality are more subtle yet equally harmful. Society has conditioned women to be “the emotional caretakers,” making them seem naturally more empathetic and suited to caregiving roles. This isn’t inherent; it’s learned behavior, shaped by cultural expectations that prioritize others’ needs and feelings over their own. On the other hand, men are raised with the expectation to suppress their emotions, frequently told to “man up” or avoid vulnerability, leading to emotional repression. These patterns don’t arise in isolation; they are rooted in deeply ingrained social norms passed down through generations, starting from childhood. As a result, women often bear an unequal emotional burden while men are deprived of healthy outlets for their feelings, perpetuating cycles of inequality and harm.
These rigid gender roles harm everyone. Women are overburdened with societal expectations, while men are trapped in a framework that denies them emotional freedom. Addressing these ingrained norms is not just about fairness—it’s about creating a society where individuals are free to express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or limitation. This change must begin with the way we raise children, teaching them from the earliest stages that emotions and empathy are human qualities, not gendered traits. By challenging these stereotypes and fostering equity from the ground up, we can move closer to a more balanced and compassionate world.
And Why Do Men Too?
Feminism is not just for women—it is for men as well. Patriarchy imposes rigid expectations on men, such as the need to suppress emotions, adhere to traditional notions of masculinity, and prioritize dominance over vulnerability (Mohler, 2024). These stereotypes not only harm men’s mental health but also strain relationships and limit personal fulfilment. In countries that have a more gender-equal system and society, men are less likely to struggle with mental health, physical health and have a 40% reduced risk of a violent death (Werber, 2018). By embracing feminist principles, men can reject toxic masculinity, fostering healthier, more equitable interactions with others. Additionally, a more egalitarian society benefits everyone by promoting collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect.
Sources
Bamberg, O.-F.-U. (2023, May 4). Geschlechtersensible Forschung: Ecological Feminism (or Ecofeminism). Uni-Bamberg.de; Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg. https://www.uni-bamberg.de/gbwiss/kunigunde-der-blog-der-gleichstellungsbeauftragten-wissenschaft/alle-artikel/artikel/geschlechtersensible-forschung-ecological-feminism/
Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1229039
Greene, M. (2022, September 14). Misogyny vs. Misandry: One Has Historically Defined the Structural, One Has Not. Medium. https://remakingmanhood.medium.com/misogyny-vs-misandry-one-has-historically-defined-the-structural-one-has-not-69abd2f0b9b8
Guy-Evans, O. (2024, February 13). Liberal Feminism: Definition, Theory & Examples. SimplyPsychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/liberal-feminism.html
Hawk, T., & Sharkey, G. (2016, July 26). What is “Intersectional Feminism”? Denison University. https://denison.edu/academics/womens-gender-studies/feature/67969
Johnson Lewis, J. (2020, November 25). What Is Radical Feminism? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-radical-feminism-3528997
Joshi, V. (2023, September 30). Feminism in Today’s World. Bschool.dpu.edu.in. https://bschool.dpu.edu.in/blogs/feminism-in-todays-world
Kendall, E. (2019). Misogyny | sociology. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/misogyny
MasterClass. (2020). Socialist Feminism Explained: What Is Socialist Feminism – 2024 – MasterClass. MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/socialist-feminism
Mohler, J. (2024, February 15). The biggest reason men should be feminists. Substack.com; Make Men Emotional Again. https://makemenemotionalagain.substack.com/p/the-biggest-reason-men-should-be
Oxford Dictionary. (2023). misandry, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary. Oed.com. https://doi.org/10.1093//OED//5787175758
UN Women. (2023, November 22). Femicides in 2023: Global estimates of intimate partner/family member femicides. UN Women – Headquarters. https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/11/femicides-in-2023-global-estimates-of-intimate-partner-family-member-femicides
UN women. (2020, July 1). Intersectional feminism: what it means and why it matters right now. UN Women; United Nations. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/explainer-intersectional-feminism-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters
Werber, C. (2018, September 17). Countries where men hold the power are really bad for men’s health. Quartz. https://qz.com/work/1392183/mens-health-is-worse-in-countries-with-less-gender-equality
