difference feminism

what idea does difference feminism reject

that all women share the same experience of oppression

what do they argue instead

women’s experiences of all oppression forms (e.g. patriarchy, homophobia, etc) vary greatly depending on factors like class, race, ethnicity, and sexuality

what do they believe the feminist theory has often claimed

a ‘false universality’ - they claim to represent all women but really only focus on the experiences of white, western, heterosexual, mc women

what is essentialism

the idea that all women share the same fundamental ‘essence’ or experiences of oppression (difference feminists view other strands as this because they treat women as one group with the same problems)

what can essentialism lead to

ignoring/excluding the experiences and struggles of women who are different (e.g. focus on western women doesn’t apply to poorer countries)

what is intersectionality

the understanding of how different forms of oppression overlap and affect women in different ways (shapes a unique experience)

what 4 solutions have difference feminists found to dealing with oppression

recognising and respecting women’s different identities and experiences

fighting against all forms of oppression

including minority women’s voices and leadership within the feminist environment

challenging the idea of ‘false universality’ to avoid ignoring and marginalising women

what are 2 strengths of difference feminism

it correctly highlights that women are diverse and face different types of oppression

it challenged the narrow focus of other feminist perspectives on mainly white, mc women

what are 2 limitations of difference feminism

can make it harder to form a united feminist movement (due to emphasis on difference)

risks deciding women into separate groups rather than finding common ground for collective action