Feminism Definition Essay

The textbook definition of feminism is “a doctrine that advocates equal rights for women” (WordNet, 2010). While this is correct, there is much more to it than that.

Feminism, according to Merriam-Webster (2016) is defined as "the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men." Though this is the definition of the term,

What is feminism? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary the standard definition defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” I believe the word feminism means a woman who is capable of doing the exact things a man can do. Both men and women are equal regardless the gender. There are many misconceptions when it comes to the word feminism such as, women having hatred towards men, women thinking they're above men, or only women can be feminist, and the gender stereotype. On the other hand, feminism is gender equality, acknowledging that any kind of violence is unacceptable regardless the gender, and realizing that women and men are not the same and recognizing that gender and sex are

The Feminist Movement is all about spreading and generalizing equality for both women and men in society concerning their equal rights. Feminism is advocacy for females to have the same rights as men, and this should be a positive movement and development across the world. Knowing what the real definition of being a feminist is I asked Kenzie if she felt there was a stigma around this word and the movement. Kenzie expressed that there was absolutely a negative stigma around the word feminist. She stated that many people view feminism as a cult of opinionated man-hating lesbians that think they are better than men. When asked about her opinion on this “new definition” Kenzie frowned and declared “it makes me very annoyed, because I feel like

Feminism has been defined as the advocacy of social equality for men and women, in opposition to patriarchy and sexism.

Feminism; a word first used in the 1890s that has become a monumental movement making equality for women compared to men possible. However, not all people view the term as an uplifting idea. To be brief, women have been treated poorly throughout history. This is just baffling because they are the ones who birth everyone on this planet. Even in 2016, women are still fighting for their right to be equal to men.

For the record, feminism by definition is: ‘the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.’ It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes. (Watson 1)

Feminism is a body of social theory and political movement primarily based on and motivated by the experiences of women. While generally providing a critique of social relations, many proponents of feminism also focus on analyzing gender inequality and the promotion of women's rights, interests, and issues.

The definition of feminism is very elusive. Maybe because of its ever-changing historical meaning, it’s not for certain whether there is any coherence to the term feminism or if there is a definition that will live up to the movement’s variety of adherents and ideas. In the book “No Turning Back,” author Estelle Freedman gives an accurate four-part definition of the very active movement: “Feminism is a belief that women and men are inherently part of equal worth. Because most societies privilege men as a group, social movements are necessary to achieve equality between women and men, with the understanding that gender always intersects with other social hierarchies” (Freedman 7).

Feminism is the belief that women should have economic political and social equality with men. This term also refers to a political movement that works to gain equality within a male and female relationship. In a male and female relationship both the roles of the male and female should be equal. Equal in many ways ten one: they should trust each other, share responsibilities, listen to one another, respect each other, and of course love one another equally.

While many people have misconception about feminism, Feminism is an empowering movement, with a mission to bring hope to those who are distorted and to provide equal opportunities to women. A feminist is a person who believes and puts into practice the principle of equality between men and women. Feminism goal is to guide the world to a place where gender relations, respect, the principle of equality, freedom is common interest. Women 's movement is not just limited to the search and assertion of equality between the sexes but also seeks to free women by giving them the tools to assert themselves as individuals, so they can control their own bodies and all other dimension of their lives.

Many people are often misinformed or given bad first impressions of feminism. However, feminism is equal rights for all people of different race, sex, gender, and sexuality. Many of the people that give feminism a bad name, include a self-proclaimed feminist that is running for presidency, and meninists who are satirical equal rights activists. In reality, feminism is pro-gender equality and opportunities for all types of people.

To admit or to label oneself as a feminist is to accept a whirlwind of judgment from those around you. It is without a doubt that the word “Feminism” or “Feminist” turns heads, and not necessarily for the right reasons. Many have resorted to mocking, disagreeing, and/or hating Feminism without even having a good grasp of what it is. The stigmas that feminists face are that they are radical, extremist, liberal, lesbians who hate men, refuse to shave and enjoy burning bras (Lee).Conversely, feminists are principally advocates for social justice and equality as well as aim for the establishment of equally divided power between the sexes. It is obvious that many are unaware of and uneducated on the misogynistic injustices plaguing our world and the toxic environment we all live in- both women and men. Feminism is a positive concept that works to eliminate injustices between both sexes and to establish the value of women, thus should be treated as such a concept instead of being a forbidden idea.

In the minds of many, feminism is confused with misandry, the belief that women should be more powerful than men; however, this could not be further from the truth. Feminism is women, men, and nonbinaries taking a stand, together, for equality. Fighting for unshaved female legs, fighting for late night walks through the park completely alone, and completely safe. Fighting for higher rates of self esteem and complete acceptance without judgment. Feminism tells males that it is okay to cry and show emotion. Feminism teaches the world that we are all the same, that we should strive for a better world for all. Feminism is the fight for equal rights and equal treatment in all areas of society, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

Despite it being 2017, there are still a lot of anti-feminists and non-feminists in our society. Anti-feminism refers to people who do not believe in feminism, while non-feminists are people who have many of the same ideas as feminists, but do not say they are a feminist. Many of these people have the idea that feminism is only for women. Some anti-feminists think that there is no need for it anymore because they believe that both genders are completely equal. A main reason people are non-feminists is because it has a negative stereotype within our society, it is thought of as women burning their bras on the street and not shaving their armpits. But the real definition of what feminism is helps to counter these misconceptions. The basis of the definition of feminism comes from the idea that women and men should be equal, but there is more to it than just that. As hooks says, “feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression” (hooks xii). This definition explains that feminism is fighting not just for women but for men, and to end the oppression of everyone. This is the definition that should be spread to everyone to show that feminism is not just for women, it is for equal rights of everyone. Feminism is for everyone because it works to end stereotypes of both genders, support reproductive rights, and end stereotypes from the media.