Cultural feminism

views on sex gender divide

sex and gender are linked which sets them apart from all other branches

essentialism

the belief that biology dictates a persons sex and their behaviours and psychological makeup, essentialism

essentialism and men and women

men are predisposed to be aggressive and domineering and women have softer characteristics like empathy and compassion, for some these female characteristics are superior

what do cultural feminists think is the problem with sex and gender

not that they have been artificially connected but that female roles and characteristics have been viewed as lesser

cultural feminists and remedy to gender divide

value of motherhood needs to be emphasised and feminine qualities seen as valuable skills

where did cultural feminism emerge from

radical feminism

why have cultural feminists been accused of being naive

for accepting the definition of being a woman devised by men for the benefit of men

cultural feminist solution to dismantling patriarchy

celebrate the softer qualities associated with women and point out that the aggressive behaviours associated with men are more likely to destabilise society

cultural feminist beliefs about men

they are more likely to start conflict, resort to violence and act selfishly

which cultural feminists advocate for the matriarchy

eco feminists on the grounds that societies run by women are more conducive places for everyone to live

why do all other feminists reject female superiority

• liberals and radicals because of their belief in androgyny

• socialists because they seek social equality with men

Criticism of cultural feminism’s perspective

it suggests there is only one way to be a woman which narrows their potential and opportunities

what do cultural femnists say is the strength of their strand

it unites all women regardless of their social, ethnic or racial group but this has been much criticised by intersectional feminists

which group specifically dismisses cultural feminism

trans women and their allies as they don’t agree it unites all women as they feel disregarded by the movement because it suggests a link between sex and gender

what have cultural feminists been acknowledged for

their work setting up rape crisis centres and women’s refugees as well as helping motherhood etc be valued more highly